Dr. Michael Gravett, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, encourages women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to also consider increasing their protection against COVID-19 with a bivalent booster shot.

"COVID-19 remains a significant problem, particularly in pregnancy. COVID-19 in pregnancy has a much-increased risk of significant or serious maternal and neonatal complications, and that those are reduced by vaccination," said Gravett.

"One misconception during pregnancy is that having been vaccinated, you are now protected. But in point of fact, our data would demonstrate that the booster adds additional protection—and that immunity, like in all cases, tends to wane over time and that the booster is especially important for the newer variants that are coming along."

In a corresponding blog post, read about a global study on COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy, which involved Gravett.

Download broadcast-ready soundbites on booster COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy.