While some people may be skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccine, one group especially concerned is pregnant women.

A local expert, however, says even though there has been little research on the risks and potential side effects on pregnant women, similar vaccines have shown to be safe.

Dr. Loralei Thornburgh, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, says receiving the vaccine should be based on an individual’s risk of getting the virus.

“For our patients, we're asking them to look at their risk of getting the COVID virus, which means looking at where they work and their daily exposures,” Dr. Thornburgh said. “And then balancing that against their risk of getting sick from COVID…”

Dr. Thornburgh said patients who are pregnant and have underlying medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension must balance out the risk.