Darine El-Chaar
Darine El-Chaar is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the Ottawa Hospital, known for her advocacy of COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy. Recently, she expressed concern over U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s announcement that routine COVID vaccinations are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant women, emphasizing that such vaccines are safe and effective, and that avoiding them could lead to severe health complications for both mothers and their babies.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Darine El-Chaar expressed concern that Mr. Kennedy's comments would fuel hesitancy among pregnant people in Canada.
COVID-19 vaccination lowers risks during pregnancy, UBC study finds
Canada· 2025-12-16
Darine El-Chaar, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, expressed concern that Mr. Kennedy’s comments will fuel hesitancy among pregnant people in Canada.
Quebec’s outgoing public-health director hopeful there will be enough free COVID-19 shots to go aroundCanada· 2025-09-30
Dr. Darine El-Chaar works with patients navigating high-risk pregnancies and commented on the impact of Trump's announcement on healthcare relationships.
Medical experts fear pregnant patients will heed Trump’s unproven claims about TylenolCanada· 2025-09-27
Dr. Darine El-Chaar expressed concern that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments could fuel vaccine hesitancy among pregnant people.
OB/GYN shortage in B.C. threatens collapse in local maternity careCanada· 2025-09-24
Darine El-Chaar, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, expressed concern that Mr. Kennedy's comments would fuel hesitancy among pregnant people.
Alberta government to charge for COVID-19 shots starting this fallCanada· 2025-06-14
Darine El-Chaar, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the Ottawa Hospital, expressed concern that Mr. Kennedy’s comments will fuel hesitancy among pregnant people.
Canadian doctors continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant people, countering U.S. policy changeCanada· 2025-05-29