A Houston city councilwoman who is also pregnant decided to make the injection publicly to help boost confidence in other women.
“I will be the first to admit that I was a little nervous to get the vaccine,” said adviser Abbie Kamin. “I think it suits the territory of being pregnant, especially for the first time.”
RELATED: ‘You’re Not Alone’: A Pregnant Doctor’s Advice to Other Mothers on How to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
Many other pregnant women also showed hesitation, said Stephanie Humbert, division manager of the department of health family nurses program. The program joins 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?
She said that about 10% of the 170 women currently participating in the program received the vaccine.
“We are only in the early stages of explaining the COVID-19 vaccine, and what it can do, and that it will not harm them or their babies,” said Humbert. “We are slowly changing our minds, but I think it will take some time.”
Finally, Kamin decided to obtain his vaccine publicly.
“When I went into my doctor’s office, she said, ‘Hey, I think I want to get the vaccine,’ and she said, ‘Please get it,'” said Kamin.
SEE ALSO: New study found that COVID-19 increases risk of premature birth
Doctors said the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine are not harmful to pregnant women. But if pregnant women are infected with the coronavirus, they are at a greater risk of developing more serious illnesses.
READ NEXT: Your last questions about the COVID-19 vaccine answered
RELATED VACCINE STORIES:
Track the availability and progress of the COVID-19 vaccine in Houston
When can you get the COVID-19 vaccine? Find out where you stand in line
What’s inside the COVID-19 vaccine and how does it work?
Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.