A Houston City Council member who is also pregnant decided to receive the shot publicly to help build trust in other women.
“I’ll be the first to admit I was a little nervous about getting the vaccine,” Councilor Abbie Kamin said. “I think this goes with the territory of being pregnant, especially for the first time.”
RELATED: “You’re Not Alone”: Pregnant Doctor’s Advice to Other Mothers on Taking COVID-19
Many other pregnant women have also shown hesitation, said Stephanie Humbert, manager of the health department’s family association of nurses program division. The program combines a nurse with a low-income woman who is pregnant for the first time.
READ MORE: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?
He said about 10% of the 170 women currently participating in the program have received the vaccine.
“We are in the early stages of explaining the COVID-19 vaccine, and what it can do, and that it will not harm them or their baby,” Humbert said. “We’re slowly changing our minds, but I think it’s going to take a while.”
Ultimately, Kamin decided to take the vaccine publicly.
“When I walked into the doctor’s office, I said,‘ Hey, I think I want to get the vaccine, ’and he says,‘ Please, please get it, ’” Kamin said.
SEE ALSO: New study finds COVID-19 increases risk of preterm birth
Doctors have said that the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine are not known to be harmful to pregnant women. But if pregnant women become infected with the coronavirus, they have a higher risk of developing more serious illnesses.
READ THE FOLLOWING: Your last questions about the COVID-19 vaccine were answered
RELATED VACCINE STORIES:
Monitor the availability and progress of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout Houston
When can the COVID-19 vaccine be obtained? Find out where you are in line
What is inside the COVID-19 vaccine and how does it work?
Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.