COVID-19 Vaccine

Learn how getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy helps to protect both you and your baby against the virus.

Please note: We are dedicated to providing up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 information that reflects the current scientific consensus. As scientific knowledge is continually evolving, our content is subject to change as new research and data become available. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

Quick Facts

  • COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

    COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs) and spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with someone who has the virus.

  • Pregnant people are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

    Changes in your heart, lungs, and immune system during pregnancy mean you are more likely to get very sick and go to the hospital with COVID-19 compared to someone who is not pregnant.

  • mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy.

    mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna)are recommended at any stage of pregnancy and are given as one shot in your arm. COVID-19 vaccines are free for all pregnant people in Canada.

  • Getting vaccinated in pregnancy helps protect you.

    Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy lowers your chances of serious illness and hospitalization. Pregnant people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are much less likely to need care in a hospital or intensive care unit (ICU).

  • Getting vaccinated in pregnancy helps protect your baby.

    When you get a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, your body makes protective antibodies that pass through the placenta to your baby. These antibodies can help protect your baby against COVID-19 in their first few months of life.

  • mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe for you and your baby.

    Millions of pregnant people in Canada and around the world have safely received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Research shows that mRNA vaccines do not increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth and cannot give you COVID-19.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 mainly targets the respiratory system, which is the part of your body that helps you breathe. This includes your nose, throat, and lungs.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 can range from very mild to severe (serious). Some people may not even realize they're sick. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Some people also lose their sense of taste or smell. In more serious cases, COVID-19 can lead to lung problems and other long-term health issues.

Many people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms. However, COVID-19 can be more serious in pregnant individuals and people with pre-existing health conditions.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

Learn more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and how it helps protect you and your baby against the COVID-19 virus.

Video provided courtesy of the Immunising Pregnant Women and Infants Network (IMPRINT). Explore more IMPRINT videos and resources here.

About COVID-19 Vaccines

Health experts in Canada recommend that all pregnant people get vaccinated with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (like those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). These vaccines have the most research backing their safety and effectiveness for pregnant and breastfeeding/lactating individuals.¹³

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work by instructing your body to make protective antibodies that can fight off the virus. This means that if you come into contact with the virus after getting vaccinated, your body will be better prepared to defend against it.

Research shows that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth and cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.⁸⁻⁹

Vaccine Safety

Vaccine Reactions

Vaccines, like any medication, can sometimes cause side effects. Usually, these are mild—like a sore arm or feeling tired—and they disappear on their own in a few hours or days. These are normal as it shows that your body is working to build immunity (protection) against the disease. Most pregnant individuals who receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not experience any serious problems. Common symptoms include soreness where the shot was given, feeling tired, muscle pain, and headaches.

Some studies have shown that pregnant people are more likely to report feeling pain where the shot was given compared to non-pregnant people.13 However, pregnant people are less likely to report side-effects like headaches, muscle pain and fever.13,30 Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about how the vaccine might affect you.

Vaccine Timing

Additional Information

Real-world evidence shows that getting vaccinated during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect you and your baby from COVID-19.

Key Facts

Item 1 of 7