The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends all pregnant and recently pregnant people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 to now receive the updated booster dose, as availability for the new shot expands.

"You're getting two protections for one shot: which is both the pregnant individual and then the baby once the baby is born," said Dr. Linda Eckert, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She notes that pregnant women risk severe illness if they catch COVID-19.

Following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACOG says pregnant and recently pregnant people should receive the updated booster at least two months after they completed their primary series, or since getting their initial booster shot.

"They are tolerated quite well, they offer great protection to the pregnant person and to the infant, and they're very safe," said Eckert.

News release: read about a new UW Medicine-led study which found that initial COVID-19 booster doses were well-tolerated by thousands of pregnant and nursing women.

Download broadcast-ready soundbites on COVID-19 boosters for pregnant people.