Preventing COVID-19 during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States include Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax. A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent severe COVID-19 illness. It also may help a newborn avoid getting COVID-19 if you are vaccinated during pregnancy.

People at higher risk of serious illness can talk to a healthcare professional about additional COVID-19 vaccines or other precautions. It also can help to ask about what to do if you get sick so you can quickly start treatment.

While you’re pregnant, it’s important for you and those in your household to:

• Test for COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, test for the illness. If you are exposed, test five days after coming in contact with the virus. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, also known as the FDA, approves or authorizes the tests. On the FDA website, you can find a list of the tests that are validated and their expiration dates. You also can check with your healthcare professional before buying a test if you have any concerns.
• Keep some distance. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms, if possible.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. For example, clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.

Try to spread out in crowded public areas, especially in places with poor airflow. This is important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.

Wear a mask when you're inside a crowded place with poor airflow. This is most important when many people in the area are sick with COVID-19.