Key Takeaway:
- ACOG issued its first independent vaccine schedule for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, citing concerns over federal policy changes and misinformation.
- The group continues to recommend COVID-19, flu, Tdap, and RSV vaccines as part of its Pregnant Women Vaccine guidance during pregnancy, marking a difference from current U.S. government recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
- Health care providers report rising vaccine hesitancy and say clear, evidence-based guidance is needed to help patients make informed decisions.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Wednesday released its first independent Pregnant Women Vaccine recommendations for those who are pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based guidance in light of federal policy changes and rising vaccine misinformation.
ACOG Releases Separate Vaccine Schedule
The recommendations mark the first time the leading OB-GYN organization has published its own immunization schedule rather than relying on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The move follows changes to federal vaccine recommendations under the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Earlier this year, ACOG withdrew from a CDC vaccine advisory committee, arguing that recent policy shifts raised concerns about the scientific review process.
“So now for the first time, ACOG has made the decision to formally release its own immunization schedule to provide and communicate clear evidence-based guidance and to address the growing vaccine misinformation that is circulating,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, the organization’s chief of clinical practice.
13 medical and professional societies have endorsed the new schedule. Other groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also issued vaccine guidance that differs from current CDC recommendations.
Group Continues Support for COVID-19 Vaccination
ACOG outlines its Pregnant Women Vaccine recommendations by advising four key immunizations during pregnancy: influenza, COVID-19, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The organization advises that a COVID-19 shot be included in its Pregnant Women Vaccine guidance, recommending it during any trimester and as early as possible in pregnancy. It also encourages flu vaccination during any trimester, ideally in early fall.
For Tdap, the group recommends vaccination between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks during a first pregnancy, generally from September through January in most parts of the United States.
Additional vaccines, including pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hepatitis A and B, may be appropriate for women with specific risk factors. ACOG also recommends immunization against human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, and rubella, and chickenpox before pregnancy or after childbirth.
The largest difference between ACOG and current federal guidance involves COVID-19 vaccination. In May, Kennedy announced that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy pregnant women and children, a decision that drew criticism from public health experts.
Spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Providers Report Growing Vaccine Hesitancy
Health care providers say vaccine skepticism remains a significant challenge.
“Vaccine hesitancy is huge in this country right now,” said Carol Hayes of the American College of Nurse Midwives. She said many patients rely on information that lacks scientific support.
Sarah Vaillancourt of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health said social media has contributed to confusion about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
In that environment, Vaillancourt explained that independent guidance from professional medical organizations on Pregnant Women Vaccine issues can help patients access reliable information and make informed decisions during pregnancy.
The recommendations are intended to support clinicians and patients as debates over vaccine policy continue across the United States.
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