While more than 50% of Illinoisans are vaccinated against COVID-19, the rate for pregnant women is drastically lower. As local doctors explain, the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweigh any risks during pregnancy.
Baby Adelie is full of giggles, but it's a stark difference from one month ago when Adelie was admitted to the hospital with the respiratory virus RSV.
"She's such a happy baby and that was the scariest part in the hospital," said Adelie's mother, Abby Sgro. "We've always watched this happy baby and she wasn't like that there."
Abby Sgro received the COVID-19 vaccine during her third trimester of pregnancy. While in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), she had her daughter tested for antibodies. The test came back positive.
Doctor Brian Majcina, who treated baby Adelie, says pregnant women shouldn't hesitate about getting the vaccine.
"This is an example of what we know with other vaccines that are given during pregnancy, that it helps protect the baby during the first few months of life," Dr. Majcina said. "It is extremely safe. Any perceived side effects or theoretical risks or problems from the vaccine really are exceedingly low."
Before getting vaccinated, Abby spoke with her doctors and weighed the pros and cons. Her now 5-month-old baby is back home and healthy. Abby says she's grateful she chose to protect not only herself but her daughter as well.
"When you leave the hospital, all you think is that 'I don't want to be back there ever again,'" Abby said. "At least I have some reassurance that we shouldn't be back there because of COVID-19. Because if she would get it, hopefully, she has some antibodies to help fight it."
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing that the vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant women. The data suggest that the benefits of receiving the vaccine outweigh any known potential risks during pregnancy. Pregnant and recently pregnant women are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant women.