September 24, 2021 18:22
Posted: September 24, 2021 18:22
Updated: September 24, 2021 19:55
SPOKANE, Wash. – Doctors urge mothers-to-be to get the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and their babies.
The Delta variant is more contagious and sends pregnant women to the hospital.
dr. Yvette Rosser is seven months old with her first baby. She is also a pediatrician. She says she got the shot as soon as it was available to health care providers. However, she also says she is waiting for more data.
“I was waiting for the final recommendation and approval from the FDA stating that this vaccine was not only safe for non-pregnant patients, but also safe for pregnant patients,” she said.
That happened to be just before she got pregnant.
Director for Women’s Services at Providence Dr. Mark Schemmel says the vaccine is not only safe, but can also protect an unborn baby from the virus. He says some of the maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation.
“That may not be the end of a decision-making process for a woman, but they are safe,” Schemmel said.
Not only does the vaccine protect against the virus, but it can also help keep the mother out of the hospital. Schemmel says premature birth is just one of many complications that can occur if a pregnant woman gets the coronavirus.
“Not only can they protect their newborn from the perspective of reducing their risk of preterm birth, but they can also protect themselves from developing serious disease.”
Schemmel says pregnant women are more likely to end up in the hospital in general.
“COVID-19 during pregnancy is much more difficult in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. Pregnant women are at a much higher risk of developing a serious illness, of being hospitalized, of ending up on a ventilator in an ICU,” Schemmel said.
“I now understand that as a mother-to-be you know that the choices we make do not only affect my health, but also that of the baby.”
dr. Yvette Rosser is expecting her first baby in November. She got her COVID-19 vaccine when it was first available to health care providers. @kxly4news pic.twitter.com/vtVWx8Aqve
— Rania Kaur KXLY (@RaniaKaur) September 24, 2021
With all this information in mind, Dr. Rosser that she is happy that she has been vaccinated.
“While I don’t think being a healthcare provider ultimately influenced my decision, it made me realize early on that it’s so important to me to be protected so that I can protect the people around me,” Rosser said.
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