All pregnant people can be vaccinated against COVID-19 if their last COVID-19 vaccination was at least 6 months ago. The risk of serious illness due to COVID-19 is higher during pregnancy. Vaccination reduces this risk. Vaccination with an mRNA vaccine is safe and effective, also during pregnancy.
Pregnant people have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. There could be complications, which could affect both the pregnant person and the baby. Hospital admission may be necessary. That is why it is important to get vaccinated if you are pregnant. COVID-19 vaccination with an mRNA vaccine just before or during pregnancy or soon after birth is safe for the pregnant person and the baby. Pregnant people can receive an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19. Research has shown that this type of vaccine is safe for the pregnant person and the baby. No reports of unusual side effects during pregnancy have been registered by Lareb, the pharmacovigilance centre that tracks side effects in the Netherlands.
Research on side effects
Pregnant people who receive a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can take part in Mothers of Tomorrow. Mothers of Tomorrow (Moeders van Morgen, part of the Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb) conducts research on the safety of vaccinations and medicines during pregnancy. You can sign up to take part via www.moedersvanmorgen.nl
When to vaccinate during pregnancy
Ideally, you should get the COVID-19 vaccination between week 13 and week 26 of your pregnancy (the second trimester). You can get a COVID-19 vaccination at any time during pregnancy. There is a higher risk of complications due to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 towards the end of your pregnancy. For that reason, it is best not to wait too long to get vaccinated.
Pregnant people who receive a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can take part in Mothers of Tomorrow. Mothers of Tomorrow (Moeders van Morgen, part of the Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb) conducts research on the safety of vaccinations and medicines during pregnancy. You can sign up to take part via www.moedersvanmorgen.nl
Pregnancy and other vaccinations
During pregnancy, you can also get vaccinated against whooping cough and flu. These vaccinations protect your baby against whooping cough and severe flu right from birth. Read more about vaccination during pregnancy.
More information about COVID-19 vaccination and pregnancy
- The position statement posted by the Dutch Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology (NVOG): Vaccination against COVID-19 in the context of pregnancy (in Dutch)
- Watch the NVOG live stream on pregnancy and vaccination against COVID-19 (in Dutch)
- Vaccinating against COVID-19 while pregnant or trying to become pregnant (Information provided by the Dutch Government)
- How do I get vaccinated against COVID-19? (Information provided by the Dutch Government)
- COVID-19: Latest safety data provide reassurance about use of mRNA vaccines during pregnancy | European Medicines Agency (EMA)