INDIANAPOLIS — There’s always an air of caution when it comes to what to do and what not to do during pregnancy.
This year, many pregnant and breastfeeding women face the question: should I get the coronavirus vaccine? One Hoosier mother has her answer.
Doctor Lana Dbeibo is an Infectious Disease Physician at IU Health and the Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Methodist Hospital.
She’s also a new mother, giving birth to her son just six-months ago. She got her coronavirus vaccine last week. Dr. Dbeibo tells WISH-TV that she’s confident in the safety of the vaccine.
“Even though pregnant women and breastfeeding women were not included in the studies, I look at this vaccine as a “non-live” vaccine. There’s no COVID in that vaccine, and it has no potential to cause the actual illness. So, if I am taking it, I am not putting myself or my family or my son at even one percent risk of getting COVID,” Dr. Dbeibo tells WISH-TV.
The CDC says mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine aren’t likely to pose risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women because mRNA vaccines usually don’t mess with DNA. However, the CDC still recommends women speak with their doctors first before moving forward.
Dr. Dbeibo is happy with her decision.
“I’m excited that finally, I will be to provide an environment for my son that is safer than what he has lived through since he was born,” she tells WISH-TV.
