Short answer is YES. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), “COVID-19 Vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are breastfeeding”. However, clinical trials on COVID-19 Vaccines in the US did not include breastfeeding mothers - thus, there is limited data on the safety and effects of the vaccination on the breastfed baby and on milk production or excretion. Regardless of this, COVID-19 vaccines are proven safe and do not cause infection to both the mother and baby. It also helps prevent COVID-19 among breastfeeding mothers. Some studies have also shown that those who received the mRNA type of COVID-19 vaccine are able to produce antibodies that are passed through the breastmilk which can also be a source of protection for breastfed babies. However, more studies are needed regarding the extent on how these antibodies can give immune protection for the baby.

Here are some reminders and tips for breastfeeding mothers who are considering getting vaccinated and breastfeeding tips after vaccination.

1. Get the available vaccine as soon as possible to get COVID-19 protection. Any form or brand of vaccine can give protection against the life-threatening Severe form of COVID-19 and can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can be passed to the breast milk.

2. Express breastmilk beforehand so your baby may continue consuming breast milk given by a caregiver while you are away.

3. Follow the vaccinator’s advice for managing vaccine side effects such as pain or heaviness on the vaccine site, fever and fatigue. Fever can be managed by drinking Paracetamol and is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.

4. Continue to breastfeed even after your vaccination. If you are experiencing heaviness on the vaccine site, consider lying down positions or assisting your arm with a pillow while holding your baby while breastfeeding.

5. Eat plenty of immune boosting foods and protein rich foods such as chicken, pork and fish to support antibody production. COVID-19 vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against sample materials from the original COVID-19 virus. Your body needs adequate protein to manufacture antibodies that will help fight the real virus and prevent severe disease.

6. Getting the vaccination will not only give protection for you but also to your baby through your breastmilk. Some studies have shown that antibodies produced by the mother against COVID-19 can be passed through the breastmilk and provide immunity for the breastfed infant. However, the antibody levels on the infant drop after a few days - thus, as long as the infant continues to breastfeed, they also receive constant protection against COVID-19. More studies are being conducted on the exact mechanism and extent of protection.

So, if you are thinking of getting vaccinated, the right time is now - when the risk of infection is high. Contact your health center or LGU for vaccine schedule and consult your doctor for guidance on other health or vaccine-related concerns.

/AET

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). COVID-19: Pregnancy or Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html
• Hall, S. (2021). COVID vaccines and breastfeeding: what the data say. Nature, 594(7864), 492-494.