In a significant development, the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Friday announced that pregnant women can get themself vaccinated against COVID-19 with the four approved vaccines in India.
The health ministry stated that pregnant women, who want to get themselves vaccinated against coronavirus, may now register on CoWIN or walk-in to the nearest COVID vaccination centre to get themselves vaccinated.
“Based on recommendations from National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), the MoHFW today approved the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19,” the statement of the health ministry read.
Operational guideline for vaccinating pregnant women, counselling kit for medical officers and frontline workers and IEC material for general public have been shared with states/UTs for its implementation, the government said.
The government gave the green signal to the vaccination of pregnant women following the recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
“Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of health of pregnant women and they are at an increased risk of severe diseases and it might affect fetus too. The matter has been examined by domain knowledge experts based on the evidence that indicate that pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women in case they get infected. Further, pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk for preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes including higher chances of neonatal morbidity. Additionally, the experts have also highlighted pre-existing co-morbidities, advanced maternal age, and high body mass Index as factors for severe COVID-19 in pregnancy,” the health ministry said.
The Union Health Ministry has already prepared a factsheet to guide frontline workers and vaccinators on counselling pregnant women in regards to COVID vaccination.
Symptomatic pregnant women appear to be at an increased risk of severe disease and death. In case of severe disease, like all other patients, pregnant women shall also need hospitalisation. Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, age over 35 years are at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, a fact sheet released by the ministry said.
On June 29, Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul had announced that Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V and Moderna vaccines are safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
While addressing the press briefing of the health ministry, Dr Paul had said that the government would be announcing the COVID vaccination guidelines for pregnant women soon.
Putting rest to all the rumours regarding the COVID vaccines, the health ministry on June 30 categorically stated COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women and there is no scientific evidence found linking the vaccines with infertility in men and women.
“None of the available vaccines affects fertility of either men or women, as all vaccines and their constituents are tested first on animals and later in humans to assess if they have any such side effects. Vaccines are authorised for use only after their safety and efficacy is assured,” the health ministry said.
