Description:

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new layers of concern for pregnant people, those planning pregnancies and their families. These include grappling with questions about COVID-19 vaccines and the implications of a possible COVID-19 infection among parents and newborns. This webinar will present the latest research on COVID-19 vaccination coverage across Ontario, and safety and efficacy of the vaccine throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, with a focus on how to support families navigating vaccination decisions. This practice-oriented webinar is designed to support those working with pregnant and expectant families in making informed COVID-19 related decisions throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

View recording here.

Speakers:

Dr. Deshayne Fell

Dr. Deshayne Fell is an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, a Scientist in the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, and an Adjunct Scientist at ICES. Dr. Fell is a perinatal researcher who works extensively with the provincial birth registry (BORN Ontario) and with linked health administrative data at ICES. Since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, her primary research focus has been on infection and immunization during pregnancy. She currently leads a province-wide project to evaluate COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy which is supported by the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force.

Dr. Tali Bogler

Dr. Tali Bogler is an academic family physician and family medicine obstetrics provider at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She is currently the Chair of Family Medicine Obstetrics at St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Bogler has a fellowship in Women’s Health and Obstetrics at UofT and a Master of Science in Community Health at the Dalla Lana school of Public Health. During the pandemic, Dr. Bogler emerged as a national leader and commentator on women’s health issues, including perinatal mental health, COVID-19 vaccination and the experience of pregnant women and families during this challenging time. She also co-founded @PandemicPregnancyGuide which became a well-known and trusted source of information for pregnant individuals, their partners and families, and colleagues within the medical and scientific communities.