New correspondence from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals that its decision to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for pregnant women was not based on new scientific evidence. Critics argue the move contradicts established research supporting vaccine safety.
Recently released HHS FAQs have drawn scrutiny for misrepresenting studies on vaccine risks. The documents incorrectly cite research on fetal loss, preterm birth, and placental clotting—despite the referenced studies not supporting these claims. In fact, one cited study reaffirms the safety of U.S.-authorized COVID-19 vaccines, noting that serious adverse effects are rare.
Experts highlight that HHS overlooked large-scale studies on COVID-19 risks during pregnancy, including a multinational meta-analysis of 1.8 million pregnancies. Instead, the agency relied on a limited single-institution study to justify its policy shift. Medical professionals stress that vaccine recommendations should prioritize the most robust data and expert consensus.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) maintains that COVID-19 vaccination remains the best protection for pregnant individuals. ACOG has condemned HHS for spreading misinformation and vows to continue correcting false claims, emphasizing that vaccines are safe and effective for expectant mothers.
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