Whether you are a surrogate mother or intended parent … or whether you are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you probably have questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccination.

Here at SPS, some of the questions we’re received are:

Do surrogacy agencies require surrogates to be vaccinated?

Is the vaccine safe for the surrogate mother and the baby?

When should the surrogate get the vaccine?

The situation is ever evolving, but we want you to to have the information you need to keep yourself and family healthy. The health and safety of our surrogates is our number one priority, and we also care deeply about the health and well-being of pregnant women everywhere.

As always, please be sure to consult your physician for personalized medical advice.

What are the current recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women?

According to the CDC, here is what you need to know (as of August 2021):

  • COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or may get pregnant in the future. 
  • Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.
  • There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.
  • Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people.
  • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19.

You can find more information from the CDC here. 

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the world’s leading organization in the field of reproductive medicine, recommends vaccination for people who are trying to get pregnant or planning to conceive. The ASRM provides more information on COVID-19 and pregnancy here.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) also recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant individuals. 

Do fertility clinics require COVID-19 vaccination?

According to the ASRM, patients undergoing fertility treatment should be encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to them. There’s no evidence that vaccination before or during fertility treatment will impact the outcome of treatment in any way.

Which vaccines do surrogates need to have? 

At the surrogate’s medical screening, the doctor will make sure she is up to date on all her immunizations. This typically includes measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); chicken pox; and hepatitis B. 

Should everyone in the surrogate’s household have the COVID-19 vaccination? 

It’s highly recommended that everyone in the surrogate’s household get the COVID-19 vaccination once they are eligible to do so. Not only is this important for the health of the surrogate and the baby, but we are seeing some contracts put on hold due to unvaccinated spouses. 

Please consult with your doctor or other health care professional if you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate 30 Years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.