The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has defended its decision to stop recommending COVID-19 shots during pregnancy, citing studies that found the vaccine is safe. The agency released a document explaining its reasoning, which highlights findings from several studies that show no significant association between vaccination and miscarriage.
According to HHS, the raw data from these studies indicates a slightly higher rate of miscarriages in women who were vaccinated against COVID-19 during their pregnancies. However, researchers point out that this association is largely due to other factors such as age, location, and underlying health conditions.
A study published last year by Canadian researchers found no significant link between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and miscarriage rates after adjusting for confounding variables. Similarly, an April 2022 study on mRNA vaccination in people undergoing IVF found no adverse effects on conception rates or early pregnancy outcomes.
HHS also cited a February 2022 study that suggested the vaccine may be safe during pregnancy, with no increase in preterm labor or low birth weight. However, experts have criticized the decision to remove the recommendation without consulting existing panels of expert advisers.
“This contradicts the bulk of published studies,” said Dr. Paul Offit, an expert on vaccines. “Growing evidence shows that vaccination during pregnancy can protect infants from COVID-19.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also expressed concern over the decision, citing data on the benefits of maternal antibodies for newborn protection.
As the debate continues, HHS emphasizes the importance of discussing individual health decisions with healthcare providers.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/10/hhs-justifies-decision-to-stop-recommending-covid-shots-during-pregnancy-with-studies-supporting-the-shots-safety-00396523