U.S. health groups call for continued insurance coverage for COVID vaccines in pregnancy

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

 

Dozens of medical and public health organizations have signed a letter urging insurers to continue covering COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant patients. The letter from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is in response to the recent move by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to no longer recommend COVID-19 shots for healthy pregnant women.

 

"Our organizations call upon payers and insurers to continue making the COVID-19 vaccine available to pregnant people without undue utilization management or cost-sharing requirements," the letter states. "As organizations dedicated to public health and evidence-based health care for pregnant patients, we are particularly passionate about ensuring equitable and free access to these critical vaccines." [emphasis added]

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Groups cite benefits of vaccination during pregnancy

ACOG is still recommending the use of updated COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and lactating individuals. In letter, the group said COVID vaccination in healthy pregnant women is supported by research showing pregnant women who have COVID-19 are more likely to be admitted to intensive care or die from the illness, that infants born following a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy are at increased risk of low birth weight and stillbirth, and that COVID vaccination during pregnancy is safe and protective for both women and their infants after birth.

 

(more)

 

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/groups-call-continued-insurance-coverage-covid-vaccines-pregnancy

 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Open Letter Urging COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Pregnancy

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"Research has shown that pregnant women who have COVID-19 are more likely to need care in an intensive care unit or with a ventilator, or to die from the illness. They are also more likely to have cesarean birth, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and blood clots. COVID-19-related complications are worse in pregnant women with particular comorbidities (eg, hypertension and obesity) and socioeconomic risk factors. These pregnant patients may face greater obstacles to optimal health due to social, economic, or environmental disparities.

 

We also understand that the severe effects of COVID-19 infection are not limited to those who are pregnant. Studies demonstrate that infants who are born following a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy are at an increased risk of low birth weight, stillbirth, respiratory distress, and rarely, vertical transmission. Data also continue to demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, and that it protects pregnant patients and their infants after birth. [emphasis added]

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In fact, the vast majority of infants under six months who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection had not received the protective benefit of vaccination during pregnancy. It is vital that we ensure that pregnant women continue to have access to this prevention tool so that they can protect themselves and their young infants, a vulnerable group who is not yet eligible for vaccination."

 

(more)

 

https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/06/open-letter-urging-covid-19-vaccination-coverage-in-pregnancy

 

 

Signatory groups include:

 

American Academy of Family Physicians | American Academy of Pediatrics | American Academy of Physician Associates | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | American College of Physicians | American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society | American Medical Association | American Nurses Association | American Pharmacists Association

 

American Public Health Association | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | Association for Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology | Association for Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses | Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs | Council of Chairs of Obstetrics & Gynecology | Emergency Nurses Association | Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology | Infectious Diseases Society of America | National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health   [emphasis added]