x
Breaking News
More () »

Genesis recommends pregnant and breastfeeding moms get COVID vaccine

OB/GYNs say they base their advice on evidence and personal experience.

MOLINE, Illinois — OB/GYNS like Dr. Clare Harney at Genesis Medical Center are recommending pregnant patients get the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Harney says it's the same advice she already gives for patients when it comes to the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine. 

"At Genesis, we believe that we are in this together," explained Dr. Harney. "We not only recommend it based on the evidence we've seen in our expertise and also our personal experience."

Dr. Harney says her colleagues are taking the vaccine and also feel a responsibility to help with more follow-up research.  

"I have two colleagues that are donating breast milk, and it's going to be studied at different intervals after the vaccine to find out what the antibody loads are," Dr. Harney said. "We are hoping to find out that those antibodies are helping to protect the babies."

While the vaccine trials haven't included pregnant patients, Dr. Harney says she is comfortable with the medical process that takes place and the way things are approved in medicine. Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine includes any live virus or any ingredients known to be harmful to pregnant women or babies. 

On the flip side, COVID-19 is known to be more dangerous for pregnant women. A pregnant mother is 70% more likely to be admitted die from the virus and 5x more likely to be admitted into intensive care or put on a ventilator. 

"When you think about that effect on the baby, that's known," she explained. That's something that there is plenty of evidence to show it's true."

Denise's full interview with Dr. Harney included more questions about infertility, breastfeeding and when pregnant women will be eligible to get the vaccine. 

Click the play button below to listen to the interview in Ep. 65 of the podcast "On A Mother Level", or download the episode on your favorite podcast app.

ABOUT ON A MOTHER LEVEL PODCAST

When it comes to parenthood, we can relate.

Your kids have some disgusting habits. We’ll talk about them. Your husband served nachos for breakfast? That sounds good. You cried today? That’s gonna happen.

These are the ups and downs of motherhood, and we are here for them all.

Join WQAD News 8 anchor Denise Hnytka as she explores parenthood on a MOTHER level. She’s opening up about what makes being a mom the best/worst/most amazing/unexpected adventure in life.

You’ll meet unstoppable moms who handle the home life while launching their own businesses. And we’ll teach the men a thing or two about multi-tasking when we explore parenthood through their eyes.

New episodes available weekly.

Follow the show on Instagram
Follow Denise on Instagram

Before You Leave, Check This Out