LA County Reports that COVID-19 Cases Among Pregnant Women Remain Low

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 5 new deaths and 172 new cases of COVID-19. Of the five new deaths reported today, three people that passed away were over the age of 80, one person who died was between the ages of 50 and 64, and one person who died was between the ages of 30 and 49.

To date, Public Health identified 1,247,899 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,445 deaths. There are 220 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 6,964,000 individuals with 17% of people testing positive. Today's daily test positivity rate is 0.8%.

Cases among pregnant women in L.A. County have dropped significantly and remain low. During the surge in December, weekly cases increased to over 600 cases a week. During the week ending on June 6, there were 8 cases reported among pregnant women. As of June 15, there have been a total of 12 deaths among 9,430 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19. Seventy-eight percent of pregnant women testing positive for COVID-19 are Latina/Latinx, 10% are White, 5% are African American/Black, 4% are Asian. Among the 8,878 births where there was testing information, 55 infants tested positive for the virus.

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can choose to get vaccinated with any of the three COVID-19 vaccines. If you are an expecting mom or new mom and have questions about getting vaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider. While a conversation with your healthcare provider may be helpful, it is not required prior to vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent reports have shown that breastfeeding women who received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies. More research is needed to determine what protection these antibodies may provide to the baby.

"Our hearts go out to everyone grieving the loss of someone they love due to COVID-19. We wish you healing and peace," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. "Since physical distancing requirements and capacity limitations were lifted, unvaccinated people should always wear a mask when indoors at worksites, public places and events. COVID-19 continues to spread among unvaccinated people with almost all new cases, hospitalizations and deaths occurring among those not fully vaccinated. While vaccinated people are well protected against COVID-19, those not yet vaccinated will need to use standard public health practices, including masking and distancing, to decrease their exposure to COVID-19."

Anyone 12 and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at County-run sites, LA City run sites,almost all mobile sites and many of the community sites without an appointment. Many sites are open on weekends and have evening hours.

Through Thursday, June 24 at County-run vaccination sites, participating LA City sites, and St. John's Well Child and Family Center sites, everyone 18 and older coming to get their first vaccine or who brings a first-time vaccine recipient with them to their second dose appointment, will have an opportunity to win one of three prizes: two 17-ticket packages to see Pepe Aguilar at the Staples Center this November, and one VIP Experience for 20 people at Universal Studios Hollywood. Official rules and participating site locations can be found on the Los Angeles County Vaccination Sweepstakes page online.

Visit: http://www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and http://www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to find a vaccination site near you, to make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, If you don't have internet access, can't use a computer, or you're over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

COVID-19 Sector Protocols, Best Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.