ACOG Endorses COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 09, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Killino Firm, an experienced personal injury law firm with a proven record of success, reports that the American College of Gynecology (ACOG) has endorsed COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant patients.

"Since the first coronavirus vaccine received regulatory approval in December 2020, many have expressed concern that vaccination might not be appropriate for those who are pregnant," says Jeffrey B. Killino, managing partner and founder of the Killino Firm. "Although the AOCG's newly released practice guidelines are reassuring, patients should be aware that none of the currently available vaccines were tested in this population prior to being authorized for emergency use in the United States."

About COVID-19 Vaccines

Over the past several months, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for three COVID-19 vaccines:

• Pfizer-BioNtech mRNA vaccine: For use in individuals age 16 years and older as a 2-dose regimen given 3 weeks (21 days) apart.
• Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine: For use in individuals age 18 and older as a 2-dose regimen given 1 month (28 days) apart.
• Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson) Ad26.COV2.S vaccine: For use in individuals age 18 and older as a single dose regimen.

Because none of these vaccines were tested in pregnant women, limited safety data specific to use in pregnancy is available. However, studies have shown that symptomatic pregnant patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of more severe illness compared with nonpregnant patients.

ACOG Coronavirus Vaccination Practice Guidelines

New practice guidelines released by the ACOG recommend that COVID-19 vaccination not be withheld from pregnant patients. However, clinicians should also support the decision of any pregnant patient who chooses to forego vaccination.

Individuals considering a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to available information about its safety and efficacy, including information about data that are not available. But while a conversation with a clinician may be helpful in assisting pregnant patients with their decision, the ACOG said it should not be required prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access. Pregnancy testing also should not be a requirement prior to receiving any EUA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Finally, the ACOG urged healthcare professionals to counsel patients on the expected side effects of vaccination, including that they are a normal part of the body's reaction to the vaccine and developing antibodies to protect against COVID-19 illness.

"Like everyone, we are anxious for this pandemic to come to an end and understand that widespread coronavirus vaccination is key to a return to normal," Mr. Killino continued. "But deciding whether or not to receive a vaccine is especially fraught during pregnancy. For that reason, we strongly agree any expectant mother declining vaccination should be supported in their decision."

Contact the Killino Firm Today

As a top child injury lawyer, Jeffrey B. Killino has helped many victims of preventable birth defects, defective products, and negligent accidents obtain the compensation they deserve, earning national recognition for the aggressive pursuit of justice on behalf of injured victims and their families.

To learn more and to arrange for a Free Legal Consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-877-875- 2927.

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