Important Notice About COVID-19 and the Coronavirus Vaccine
To Our Patients:
As your healthcare provider, we value—and are committed to—your health and the health of your family. We also understand that you have concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has now been designated a global pandemic.
At all times, we prioritize optimal health, safety and infection control During this outbreak we are continuing to do so with special vigilance and focus.
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and carefully following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In addition, we are taking specific measures to protect you, your family, our employees and the communities we serve.
As things change, we will adjust our policies and practices to respond appropriately to new developments. At the same time, we will keep you informed about best infection-control practices and what you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
How can you limit your exposure to the virus?
The best way to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to avoid being exposed to the virus, which at this time is thought to spread mainly person-to-person. How do you do that?
- Wash your hands with soap and water – frequently and for at least 20 seconds each time
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face
- Maintain “social distancing” between others (about six feet apart)
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze (and immediately wash or sanitize your hands)
What should you do if you’re sick?
- Stay home except to get medical care when moderately ill – avoid public areas, transportation, events, etc.
- If you’re around other ill persons or caring for others, wear a facemask (N95)
- Cover coughs and sneezes, wash/sanitize hands and clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces daily
- Monitor symptoms – seek prompt medical care if symptoms worsen
- Call your doctor before seeking care, including for appointments scheduled for other reasons
- Call 911 if you have a medical emergency
COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women and Women Contemplating Pregnancy
The doctors at RGI are following guidelines set forth from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
For women who are planning to conceive:
- The COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged for all women who are planning to conceive or who are undergoing infertility treatment.
- Since the COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus, there is no reason to delay pregnancy because of vaccine administration.
- A pregnancy test is not required prior to vaccine administration.
- There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccine induces infertility.
For women who are pregnant:
- ACOG recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant women
- Pregnancy is a strong risk factor for the development of serious complications of COVID-19 infection and increases the risk of ICU admissions, intubation, and death. Additional risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure may further increase the chance of developing severe disease from COVID-19 infection.
- We respect and support the decision of our pregnant patients to receive or not receive the vaccine. Pregnant women should consider the level of activity of the pandemic in their community, the potential efficacy of the vaccine, the potential risk and severity of maternal and fetal effects of COVID-19 infection, and the safety of the vaccine.
- Since the vaccine trials did not include pregnant women, we are unable to evaluate the safety data for pregnant women. However, existing safety data suggests that the risk of fetal harm from mRNA vaccines is very low.
All patients regardless of vaccine status must continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
For more information:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Coronavirus/COVID-19 Task Force
Rest assured that we at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility are taking this outbreak, and our responsibility as your trusted provide, seriously. We will continue evaluating developments and taking appropriate actions to reduce exposure and keep you up-to-date.
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