Today, CDC issued an urgent health advisory to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future to preventserious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The CDC health advisory strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks.Additionally, the advisory calls on health departments and clinicians to educate pregnant people on the benefits of vaccination and the safety of recommended vaccines.
According to CDC data, only 31 percent of pregnant people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and vaccination rates vary markedly by race and ethnicity. Vaccination coverage is highest among Asian people who are pregnant (45.7 percent), but lower among Hispanic or Latino pregnant people (25 percent), and lowest among Blackpregnant people (15.6 percent).
Through September 27th, there were more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant people including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths; of which, 22 deaths occurred in the month of August alone.Cases of COVID-19 in symptomatic, pregnant people have a two-fold risk of admission into intensive care and a 70 percent increased risk of death.Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes that could include preterm birth, stillbirth, and admission into the ICU of a newborn also infected with COVID-19.
The advisory can be found at https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00453.asp.
Attribute the following to CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H.
“Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time – and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for families. I strongly encourage those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to talk with their healthcare provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.”
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FAQs
Coronavirus Disease 2019? ›
Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, causes coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ). The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily among people. Data has shown that the COVID-19 virus spreads mainly from person to person among those in close contact.
What is the cause of COVID 2019? ›Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, causes coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ). The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily among people. Data has shown that the COVID-19 virus spreads mainly from person to person among those in close contact.
What novel coronavirus causes coronavirus disease in 2019? ›The causative agent of the new disease outbreak was identified as 2019 novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) and it was named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Why some people never get COVID? ›It's possible that it's not a mutation in one gene, but a combination of mutations in multiple genes, that render a small number of people immune to COVID. Targeting multiple genes without causing any unwanted side-effects can be tricky and would make it much harder to harness this knowledge for anti-COVID drugs.
Will COVID end in 2023? ›With President Joe Biden formally declaring on May 11, 2023, the end to both the COVID-19 public health emergency and the national state of emergency, does that mean COVID is over? The simple answer is no.
What year did COVID start? ›Though initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, COVID-19 entered the conversation in the U.S. in January 2020, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the nation of the outbreak abroad.
When did COVID-19 become a pandemic? ›March 11, 2020
After more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths, the WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia.
When is a virus considered a pandemic? ›Typically, a pandemic is bigger than an epidemic and includes spread over several countries or continents. Usually, for this to occur, the disease is spread easily from person-to-person.
What is the difference between the coronavirus and the novel coronavirus? ›Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Will COVID ever go away? ›
So experts expect that the virus won't go away any time soon. To better understand what SARS-CoV-2 might do over time, scientists have used mathematical models.
Why are people immune to COVID? ›The missing element appeared to be a virus receptor: The surviving cells had a mutated form of a gene that produces a receptor called ACE2. In the COVID-resistant cells, the receptor was inside the cell, rather than outside, making it impossible for SAR-CoV-2 to attach to it.
How long are you immune after COVID? ›Share on Pinterest Research shows that the antibodies that develop from COVID-19 remain in the body for at least 8 months. Immunity can occur naturally after developing COVID-19, from getting the COVID-19 vaccination, or from a combination of both.
Should I still wear a mask? ›Yes, there are times we should still wear masks, according to Jamie Almasy, director of Infection Prevention and Control for OSF HealthCare. Masks have been an effective tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, like the omicron variant. Masks also help protect against influenza and other viruses.
Is COVID still a threat? ›May 15, 2023 – In the wake of the World Health Organization's declaration on May 5 that it was ending the COVID global health emergency, experts acknowledged that the disease now poses much less of threat than it has over the past three years—but that some level of threat will continue.
Is COVID no longer a threat? ›The World Health Organization declares an end to the Covid-19 global health emergency. Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said on Friday.
What issues coronavirus has caused? ›The pandemic has affected the public's mental health and well-being in a variety of ways, including through isolation and loneliness, job loss and financial instability, and illness and grief.
When did COVID-19 end? ›On May 5, more than three years since COVID-19 was designated as a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the global Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19.
Who is most at risk for COVID-19? ›The risk of developing dangerous symptoms of COVID-19 may be increased in people who are older. The risk may also be increased in people of any age who have other serious health problems — such as heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems, obesity, or diabetes.
Who were the people most vulnerable of the virus? ›COVID-19 is often more severe in people 60+yrs or with health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system. Do your part to protect those who are at most risk.