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Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) study published in November found that they, too, are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, though less so than those in other high-risk groups. The study found that pregnant people are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), receive invasive ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (the use of an artificial lung located outside the body that puts oxygen into the blood), and are at increased risk of death compared to non-pregnant people. The CDC has also warned that pregnant people with COVID-19 might be at increased risk for other adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth.
A document released on December 8, ahead of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting on December 10, reveals more details about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which is expected to be the first to be authorized for emergency use in the US.
The document reveals that four cases of Bell s palsy, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis, were identified in study participants who received the vaccine but in none of the participants who received a placebo. At least one of the patients has recovered, and there s no evidence that the vaccine caused the problem. Here s what to know about this condition.