Weeks before Elizabeth Espinal, who was five months pregnant, rolled up her sleeve to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the neurosurgical researcher discussed her confidence in the shot with her husband, Santos, a chef.
“He had a number of concerns that are common among people who don’t work in the medical field,” the expectant mother in Queens told The Post. “But I also wanted him to be comfortable with the decision, because we are doing this together.”
Until they made a final decision, the Espinals were among the ever-growing number of expectant parents who had to grapple with the pros and cons as the vaccine rollout continues – especially since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t yet have any direct recommendations whether or not pregnant women should be vaccinated.
Northwell Health employee Espinal, 36, added, “We have thought a lot about it and the opinions of my OB-GYN and the doctors with whom I have worked closely.
“I look at things very scientifically and weigh the risks, such as contracting COVID-19 and the documented cases of premature birth [the disease has caused]. All roads pointed in the direction of taking the picture as there are no real risks involved [pregnant women receiving] it, apart from [the side effects that would impact] anyone who has taken the vaccine, ”she said.
So far, the CDC has only said that the vaccine is “ unlikely to pose a risk to pregnant people ” and that those “ who are pregnant and are part of a group recommended to receive the coronavirus vaccine, such as medical personnel, can choose to be vaccinated. . ”
The centers’ position has been adopted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Both organizations recommend that patients consult with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of the vaccine.
SMFM spokesperson Dr Jacqueline Parchem, maternal-fetal medicine specialist who will give birth to her third child in February, recently used Twitter to powerfully express her personal view of the matter.
The 38-year-old faculty member of UTHealth shared a photo of herself being injected. Another photo shows Houston-based OB-GYN with a fillable sticker – “I have the vaccine for: all pregnant ppl!, ‘She wrote.
She told The Post that her social media campaign had three stated goals: explain the science behind the vaccine in layman’s terms, provide reassurance about its safety, and show how she is leading by example.
“We are in a very difficult time where it is difficult to distinguish the good information from the bad and where the credible sources are,” said Parchem. “Doctors are now making unambiguous public health reports to address hesitancy with vaccines.”
Uniformed anti-vaxxers have cheated Parchem for her online position, but she is taking the attacks in her stride: “[Their] comments come out of fear because there is no scientific basis, ”she said. “I have not received a negative comment from anyone who has been able to voice their real concerns to me.”
In her tweets, the expert notes that it is “difficult to find another medical intervention that will work THIS well,” adding, “Unfortunately, I know the risks of COVID in pregnancy and have too many pregnant patients. with a serious illness. “
She said she was frustrated with the lack of evidence studies on pregnant women and the vaccine due to the usual group exclusion from these types of studies. However, so far, no female participants who became pregnant during testing – nor the babies who subsequently delivered them – have shown negative results.
“Yet there is a proven increased risk of serious illness [due to COVID] among pregnant people, leading to increased need for ICU care, mechanical ventilation and possible death, ”said Parchem. “If the pregnant woman gets sick or dies, the fetus will not do well.
“It’s an uncomfortable thought to just, as one of mine [medical peers] spelled “Death crosses the placenta.”
“If you put all that together, you have to get vaccinated.”
Elaina Preston, a Manhattan resident, an 11-week pregnant physician’s assistant who works with highly immunocompromised patients, was quick to heed such advice.
She received her second dose on Jan. 7 after reviewing the vaccine studies and consulting her reproductive medicine physician, OB-GYN, and expert colleagues.
“I was relieved to be eligible, especially as I have moderately persistent asthma,” said Preston, 38, the mother of a 1-year-old. “Now I have more confidence in working in a hospital setting, knowing that most of my colleagues will also be vaccinated.”
Recalling when she received her first dose, on December 18, the medical professional admitted that she had “a mild fear that she was one of the former pregnant people to get vaccinated.”
But, with a master’s degree in public health and a background in clinical research, she trusts the data.
“I am so happy that, after all the terrible things that have happened in 2020, I am taking a step that will move us forward towards a better future.”