In Jackson, Mississippi, a doctor gently checks a baby’s heartbeat inside the womb using a small Doppler device during a prenatal visit. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP - Rogelio V. Solis)
Canadian health experts are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19, stating clearly that the vaccine is both safe and highly recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) released this reminder following recent comments from U.S. presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who falsely claimed that the vaccine is no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women in the United States. Kennedy, known for promoting anti-vaccine views, has drawn criticism from health officials for spreading misleading information.
In contrast, Canadian doctors continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. According to the SOGC, pregnant individuals who contract COVID-19 face a much higher risk of serious illness. This includes the possibility of hospitalization or even intensive care. The virus can also increase the risk of preterm birth and other complications.
Dr. Darine El-Chaar, a maternal-fetal medicine expert at The Ottawa Hospital, says the science strongly supports vaccination during pregnancy. Speaking on behalf of the SOGC, she explained that research clearly shows the vaccine helps protect both the mother and the baby.
“There is growing, reliable scientific evidence showing how dangerous COVID-19 and similar respiratory viruses can be during pregnancy,” El-Chaar said. “Vaccination reduces those risks.”
She also pointed out that vaccinated mothers can pass on some level of protection to their babies, giving newborns a better start in defending themselves against the virus.
El-Chaar firmly dismissed Kennedy’s comments, stressing that they lack any medical backing. “No clinical trials, studies, or follow-ups have found harmful effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnant women or infants,” she said. “There’s simply no scientific basis for that advice.”
In a time when misinformation is spreading fast, the SOGC is urging both women and healthcare providers to stick with science-based guidance when making health decisions. The group felt it was important to speak out now, especially as social media and news outlets continue to circulate unfounded claims from the U.S.
El-Chaar said Canadian pregnant women may see or hear about these messages and become confused or concerned. That’s why clear, fact-based communication is so critical.
“If it’s been over six months since their last COVID shot, pregnant women should definitely consider getting vaccinated again,” she added.
Her message is simple: one vaccine protects two lives. “By getting the shot, you’re helping yourself and your baby,” she said.
