Can Pregnant women be vaccinated against  Covid-19? 

The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to pregnant women. In its latest statement, the Union Health Ministry said pregnant women “can and should” get the COVID vaccine. The Central government on 25th June has approved Covid-19 vaccination for pregnant women. Earlier only lactating women were eligible for covid vaccination, but pragnent women were not due to a lack of safety and efficacy data. The move comes a few weeks after the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended vaccination in pregnant women when the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks. 

According to a recent study by the ICMR it was revealed that the second wave of covid-19 pandemic affected pregnant and postpartum women more severely compared to the first. In the recent National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) meeting on May 28, it has been recommended that pregnant women should also be vaccinated since “exposure probability is very high” and that the “benefit far outweighs the risk”.

According to media reports gynecologists and medical experts have welcomed the step  and safety precautions are recommended for pregnant women while being vaccinated. 

• It is recommended that pregnant women should be fully informed that “the long-term adverse reactions and the safety of the vaccine for foetus and child are not yet established.” 
• Also it is advised that they follow the 30 minutes of in-hospital observation rule post-vaccination. 
• In case a woman has been infected with COVID-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery
• It is advised to consult your gynecologist before going for vaccination

In a media briefing about COVID-19 on 25th June, Balram Bhargava, director general of ICMR said,“The Ministry of Health has given the guidelines that vaccines can be given to pregnant women. Vaccination is useful in pregnant women, and it should be given.” Also the health ministry said that Covid-19 vaccines available are safe and vaccination will be helpful in protecting pregnant women against Covid-19 infection. 

(with inputs from ANI)