On September 9, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This guidance is based on current evidence and NACI's expert opinion.
Evidence on COVID-19 illness and the safety and effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding continues to emerge.
After reviewing the latest evidence, NACI reaffirms the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
NACI continues to strongly recommend that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should receive a primary series of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. NACI also reiterates its existing recommendations for booster doses in these populations.
With regard to a fall booster dose, NACI makes the following recommendations for people who are pregnant:
- NACI strongly recommends that individuals who are pregnant should be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at any stage of pregnancy,regardless of the number of previously received booster doses. (Strong NACI Recommendation)
- NACI recommends that COVID-19 vaccine booster doses may be offered at an interval of 6 months since a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, a shorter interval of at least 3 months may be warranted to optimize protection for the pregnant person in the context of heightened epidemiological risk (including increased risk of severe outcomes in people who are pregnant). (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)
- Individuals who are pregnant may receive all doses for which they are eligible during the course of their pregnancy.
- Recommendation
- Americas
- Canada
- Pregnant women
- COVID-19
