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Pregnancy, Children, And The COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know

People who are pregnant can get the vaccine, even though there hasn't been testing on its effectiveness for pregnant women. [Africa Studio / Shutterstock]
People who are pregnant can get the vaccine, even though there hasn't been testing on its effectiveness for pregnant women. [Africa Studio / Shutterstock]

What are your questions about the coronavirus vaccine?

ideastream's health team is answering as many questions as possible, with help from local experts in a range of fields. You can  send us your questions with our online form, through our social media  group, or call us at 216-916-6476. We'll  keep the answers coming on our website and on the air.

Susie asked on Facebook if her pregnant daughter should take the vaccine and whether infants and toddlers like her grandson should take it?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized  both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for emergency use.

Children under 16 should not get the Pfizer vaccine, and children under 18 should not get the Moderna vaccine, according to the FDA.

People who are pregnant can get the vaccine, according to Mark Cameron, associate professor in Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. 

“Pregnant mothers were not included in the clinical trial, but it’s not being treated as a contraindication," he said. 

That means pregnancy is not a reason to withhold the vaccine if the person chooses to receive it.

 People who have allergic reactions to the first dose, or who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, should not take it, Cameron said.

lisa.ryan@ideastream.org | 216-916-6158