A recent joint statement issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians and other leading organizations in maternal care stated that all the women who are lactating, pregnant, recently pregnant or considering becoming pregnant need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pregnant women are susceptible and at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, ICU hospitalization, other adverse pregnancy outcomes and even death. The only way to prevent this high-risk population is COVID-19 vaccination. Clinical data have favored the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy and among those who are contemplating pregnancy in the near or distant future as it doesn't cause any detrimental effects on fertility. Also, the same data have reassured the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine among new infants born to vaccinated individuals after delivery.

Major leading organizations in maternal care support the vaccine mandates to increase the vaccination rate and protect public health. Pregnancy and individuals of reproductive potential should not be exempted from the vaccine mandate as there are no adverse events associated with the use of vaccination during pregnancy.

There is a critical need to address the low vaccination rates among pregnant women and also among communities of color whose vaccination rates are strongly influenced by historical and cultural considerations. It is an important concern that low vaccination rates will significantly exacerbate the existing black and indigenous maternal health crisis, especially in the rural areas of the country.

As the cases of a pandemic continue to surge, the pregnant individual and those who are family planning should feel confident to receive COVID-19 vaccination so that they can protect themselves, their infants, families and their communities as well. Also, it is the duty of leading organizations to ensure successful vaccination without cultural humility and also support the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.