Pregnant Doctor Explains Reason Why She's Getting the COVID Vaccine

A pregnant doctor explains the reason why it is safe to take the COVID vaccine even though clinical trials did not include pregnant women as subjects. She hopes to inspire other women who are in doubt whether to get the shot or not.

Earlier this month, Dr. Nayeli Rodulfo-Zayas got her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She was 35 weeks pregnant, and she wants to inspire other pregnant women to get the vaccine. She noted that women should be educated by their healthcare providers about the safety of the shot.

The COVID vaccine is safe for pregnant women

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines did not include pregnant women during the late-stage clinical trials in the US. Both companies use mRNA technology with their vaccines. They are practically safe for pregnant women because they do not contain the live virus.

Dr. Rodulfo-Zayas knew that using this technology would not harm her unborn baby because it would not alter the human DNA. She is at high risk of contracting the virus, so she decided to take the vaccine because she is confident with the science.

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A personal reason for getting vaccinated

The San Antonio emergency medicine physician talked with her obstetrician-gynecologist and decided to get the vaccine because they believed it would be best for her. After losing her 57-year-old mom a year ago, Dr. Rodulfo-Zayas had another personal reason for receiving the vaccine.

Around early June, the pregnant doctor's mom contracted the coronavirus because she was at high risk. She explained that her mom had high blood pressure, diabetes and was on dialysis. For about a week, she said that her mom was okay but got sick until she had to stay in the ICU.

Dr. Rodulfo-Zayas said that her mom could have gotten the vaccine in six months but sadly did not make it. She knew her mom would have wanted her to do good, so she works hard to educate people about what she knows about the vaccine.

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Got two shots of the vaccine

In mid-December, the mom-of-two received her first dose, and on January 7, she got her second dose. While she had some minor side effects, like low-grade fever and chills, she felt better after getting the second shot after less than 24 hours.

Even though the COVID vaccine has some side effects, Dr. Rodulfo-Zayas said that they are just temporary and could not be compared to what people go through when they contract the virus.

According to the US CDC, pregnant women and people from the priority groups could choose to be vaccinated if they want. They could talk to their healthcare providers to understand the possible risks and benefits before making an informed decision regarding getting the vaccine.

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Dr. Rodulfo-Zayas explained that other pregnant women should confirm with their doctors whether they should take the vaccine or not. She urges others to consider the risks of not getting the COVDI vaccine.