Hospitalizations and Deaths are Increasing for Unvaccinated Pregnant Women
Houston – The risk of COVID-19 is increasing for pregnant women who are not vaccinated, and nationwide almost 70% are not. They are at increased risk for preterm birth, hospitalization, intensive care, need for a ventilator and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an urgent health advisory because the numbers of pregnant women being hospitalized and dying are increasing. Nationwide since September 27 of this year, there were more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women. More than 22,000 were hospitalized and 161 died. In August, 22 unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19 died.
While the overall numbers sound small, the risk for unvaccinated pregnant women who become infected is not. If they develop symptoms, they have a two-time greater risk of admission into intensive care and a 70 percent increased risk of death.
The CDC reports only 31% of pregnant women in the U.S. are vaccinated against COVID-19. Pregnant African American women have the lowest vaccination rate nationwide, at 15.6%. The highest vaccination rate is for pregnant Asian women, 45.7 are vaccinated. Twenty five percent of pregnant Hispanic women are vaccinated.
Many pregnant women, and those trying to get pregnant, hesitate to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because they worry about risks to their health and their unborn child’s. Tests and clinical trials for all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) show the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children and that the benefits outweigh the risks. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) strongly encourages all pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant, to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are free and HCPH vaccine sites and while appointments are not required, they are recommended, go to vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787. To find a location near you click here. Parents must accompany their children, ages 12-17, to be vaccinated or children must bring a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Consent forms are at vacstrac.hctx.net Twelve to 17-year-olds are eligible for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.
Parents with children under 12 are encouraged to get them tested frequently to see if they have the virus. Testing is free at HCPH sites. Appointments are not required, but are recommended because the number of people getting tested has been increasing, click here to find a site near you or call 832-927-7575.