New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines do not appear to pose a serious risk during pregnancy.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 35,000 women and preliminary results found the shots had no effect on the rates of miscarriage, premature births or other complications.
Deena Oliva, of Port Washington, recently gave birth to a baby boy. During pregnancy she decided to hold off on getting vaccinated.
"I think because it was so new, I was not thinking it was a good thing to put into my soon-to-be-born baby," says Oliva.
Oliva says she is ready to get vaccinated now but is still not sure if she would do it if she was pregnant again.
"Next child, I don't know during pregnancy if I'd still be willing to do it," says Oliva. "I'd like to see what happens."
Dr. Victor Klein, of Northwell Health, says pregnant women are at higher risk for getting COVID-19.
"There have been several maternal deaths around the United States, including Long Island pregnant women," says Klein. "So we feel very strongly that women do get the vaccine."
Dr. Klein says he recommends the vaccine to all of his expectant mothers because pregnancy could lead to severe complications from COVID-19.