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Covid-19 Vaccine

Medically reviewed by: Shah A, Shah N, Clarfield L, Shirreff L

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Last updated August 16, 2025
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Covid-19 Vaccination & Pregnancy

Vaccinations are important to having a healthy pregnancy. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommend that pregnant people receive their COVID-19 vaccine or booster whenever they are eligible (i.e., during any trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding), for their own protection and to build antibodies that can help protect the baby.

Covid-19 Infection During Pregnancy

Pregnant people who become infected with the COVID-19 virus are at higher risk of having a serious illness than others, including hospitalization, requiring intensive care, stillbirth, or giving birth early. These risks are even higher for people who are further along in their pregnancy, have gestational or pre-existing diabetes, high blood pressure, or an increased body weight. One of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness is by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

When Shoudl I Get Vaccinated?

If you haven’t received any COVID-19 vaccine yet, the best time to be vaccinated is before your pregnancy, so that you are protected from the increased risks that the COVID-19 virus can pose during your entire pregnancy. However, the vaccine is safe to receive at any point during your pregnancy.

I’m Already Vaccinated – When Should I Get A Booster?

If you have already received a full COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., at least 2 doses), you can receive a booster dose as soon as you are eligible. There is no specific time during pregnancy that you need a booster. Ask your health care provider or your local public health unit for more details.

Which Vaccine Should I Get? Are There Side Effects?

Generally, pregnant people are recommended to receive either of the mRNA vaccines (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech or Modernavaccines), as they are the most extensively studied. The ‘bivalent’ mRNA vaccines produced by these companies are recommended for booster doses. However, if you can’t receive either of these, the vaccine produced by Novavax is also an acceptable choice, according to the SOGC.

Side effects generally include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Treat fever after vaccination with acetaminophen as needed as fever can be harmful to pregnancy. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause any issues with fertility or pregnancy.

PH – Covid-19 Vaccine

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This material is intended for use by Canadian residents only, and is solely for informational and educational purposes. The information presented is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, independent judgement, or proper clinical assessment by a physician. The context of each case and individual needs differ between patients and this material cannot be applied without consultation with a trained doctor. This material reflects the information available at the time of preparation.

Homepage graphics created by A. Workewych (Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto)