Ministry of Health and New Zealand College of midwives, recommends that pregnant women/people are routinely offered the COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

This recommendation aligns with those in many other countries, including the U.K., the U.S., Australia and Israel. Internationally, many people have been given this vaccine while pregnant and large-scale surveillance data indicate that there are no safety concerns with administering this COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. Vaccinating during pregnancy may also offer temporary protection for new-borns across the placenta and in breast milk via passive immunity through the transfer of antibody.

Anyone with questions or concerns about receiving this vaccine in pregnancy is advised to discuss these with their health professional. Everyone has a right to make an informed decision about receiving the vaccine.

Routine pregnancy testing before COVID-19 vaccination is not necessary and for those who are planning pregnancy, it is not necessary to delay pregnancy after receiving a COVID vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination does not replace the need for simple measures that reduce the risk of disease transmission such as physical distancing, handwashing, and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed

To find out more, watch this webinar, which:
• Identifies the science behind the development of the vaccines
• Discusses the evidence, including vaccine safety and efficacy
• Provides guidance to support informed decision making.

References:

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-getting-vaccine/covid-19-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding-vaccine-advice

https://www.midwife.org.nz/news/webinar-covid-19-vaccination-and-pregnancy/

https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/covid-19-vaccination-information