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COVID 19 Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding

It's safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are breastfeeding.

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccines and cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk.

Fertility and COVID-19 vaccination

There's no evidence the COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on your chances of becoming pregnant.

There's no need to avoid getting pregnant after being vaccinated.

There's also no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on male fertility.

Risk factors for pregnant women

If you have underlying medical conditions such as:

  • immune problems
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • asthma

Or if you are:

  • overweight
  • over the age 35
  • in your third trimester of pregnancy (over 28 weeks)
  • of black and Asian minority ethnic background
  • remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated

You are at more risk from COVID-19 than women of the same age who are not pregnant.

Getting pregnant

There is no need to avoid getting pregnant after COVID-19 vaccination. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on fertility or your chances of becoming pregnant.

Booster vaccines

Pregnant women are eligible for a booster, 12 weeks after their second dose. The booster dose that is offered may be a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are well-known.

The JCVI has recommended that the vaccines can be received whilst breastfeeding. This is in line with recommendations from the US and the World Health Organization.

Side effects

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause common side effects. It may be helpful to make sure you know what to expect after you have the vaccine, especially if you have had your baby or have other children to look after.

Please read the What to expect after your COVID vaccination leaflet.

Continue to follow current national guidance

No vaccines are 100% effective so it is important to continue to follow current national guidance.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues, you MUST still:

  • where advised wear a face mask
  • wash your hands carefully and frequently
  • open windows to let fresh air in
  • follow the current guidance