A Houston city councilor who is also pregnant decided to make the photo public to build trust in other women.
“I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little nervous about getting the vaccine,” said Councilman Abbie Kamin. “I think that’s part of being pregnant, especially for the first time.”
RELATED: ‘You’re Not Alone’: A Pregnant Doctor’s Advice to Other Moms About Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine
Many other pregnant women have also shown hesitation, said Stephanie Humbert, division manager of the health department’s family nurse partnership program. The program matches a nurse with a low-income woman who is pregnant for the first time.
READ MORE: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Pregnant Women?
She said that about 10% of the 170 women currently in the program have received the vaccine.
“We have only just started explaining the COVID-19 vaccine and what it can do and that it won’t harm them or their baby,” Humbert said. “We’re slowly changing our minds, but I think it will take a while.”
Ultimately, Kamin decided to get her vaccine publicly.
“When I walked into my doctor’s office I said, ‘Hey, I think I want to get the vaccine,’ and she says, ‘Please, please get it,’ ‘said Kamin.
SEE ALSO: New Study Finds COVID-19 Increases Risk of Preterm Birth
Doctors have said that the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine are not harmful to pregnant women. But when pregnant women become infected with the coronavirus, they are at an increased risk of developing more serious illnesses.
READ NEXT: Your Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered
RELATED VACCIN STORIES:
Keep track of the availability and progress of the COVID-19 vaccine in Houston
When can you get the COVID-19 vaccine? Find out where you are in line
What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine and How Does It Work?
Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.