updated 8/11/2021

Statement from MetroPartners ObGyn Physician Board
regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Pregnant women with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of severe complications and even death; this is especially concerning right now as the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread and 95% of those hospitalized and/or dying from COVID-19 are those that have remained unvaccinated. Vaccines are our most effective tool against preventable viruses and diseases, including COVID-19. Thousands of pregnant patients have received the COVID-19 vaccine with no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes when compared to non-vaccinated patients. ACOG also recommends that lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines may be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including within 14 days of receipt of another vaccine. This includes vaccines routinely administered during pregnancy, such as influenza and Tdap.

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has also released a statement that the COVID-19 vaccine does not cause female sterility. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for non-pregnant individuals including those who are actively trying to become pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy. It is not necessary to delay pregnancy after completing the COVID-19 series and if you become pregnant after the first dose, you should receive your second dose as scheduled. The COVID-19 vaccine does not impact fertility or fertility treatment outcomes.

At MetroPartners OB/GYN we strive to provide outstanding medical care and support the use of the most recent evidence-based practice guidelines to keep our patients safe and healthy. We encourage you to discuss your individual questions with your provider and we support you in making your own personal decision about the vaccine. However, given the current ACOG recommendation that all eligible patients receive the COVID-19 vaccine including pregnant women, lactating women and women pursuing pregnancy we are not able to provide letters of medical exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Patients Needing a Mammogram

It is possible that the COVID vaccine can increase the size of your lymph nodes which may cause a false positive screening mammogram. We would recommend that you receive your screening mammogram prior to your COVID vaccine or wait 6 weeks AFTER you complete your COVID vaccine to complete your routine screening mammogram to allow your lymph nodes to return to the normal size. Even if you have received the COVID vaccine, we would recommend that you not delay evaluation of a breast symptom or problem.

COVID-19 Boosters

COVID-19 Booster is currently available for high-risk populations who had received the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago. Please review the link to CDC recommendations to determine current guidelines for high-risk populations eligible for a booster vaccine. Due to the potential risk for severe illness and even death from COVID-19 in pregnancy, in addition to waning immunity, ACOG currently recommends pregnant people, including pregnant health-care workers, receive a booster of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months following the completion of their initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series. You are still considered "fully vaccinated" 2 weeks after completing your initial vaccine series.

We will continue to monitor the newest data and recommendations for those who had received the Moderna of Johnson & Johnson vaccines.