The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday that it now officially recommends that pregnant women do receive the COVID-19 vaccine because the effects of the virus are much worse if they’re not protected.

CDC’s director cited a new study that was published on Wednesday by The New England Journal of Medicine which concluded that there’s no evidence that shows that the vaccine causes any safety concerns for the mother or baby.

If a pregnant individual were to contract the virus, the odds of them being hospitalized skyrockets.

"As such, CDC recommends that pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccine," CDC head Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Friday at a White House COVID-19 briefing. "We know that this is a deeply personal decision and I encourage people to talk to their doctors or primary care providers to determine what is best for them and their baby."

The study obtained data from over 35,000 individuals who were either pregnant or planning to become pregnant, who said they only experienced normal side effects after their jab. Researchers stated that these results were between the dates of Dec. 14 and Feb. 28, CBS reported.

The CDC hasn't updated its guidelines yet to say it recommends pregnant individuals receive the vaccine, as of Saturday.

US experts say the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine should be administered
US experts say the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine should be administered AFP / Joseph Prezioso
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