As per the latest statement by the Union Health Ministry, pregnant women “can and should” get the COVID vaccine jab. Previously, the ministry had announced that, “women who are pregnant or not sure of their pregnancy…should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine”, especially since they weren’t part of any vaccine trials.
However, following the recently concluded National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) meeting, which took place on May 28, pregnant women have been advised to get vaccinated since “exposure probability is very high” and that the “benefit far outweighs the risk”.
The NTAGI recommended the following precautions for an expectant mother:
1. They should be made aware that “the long-term adverse reactions and the safety of the vaccine for foetus and child are not yet established.”
2. It is recommended that they follow the 30 minutes of in-hospital observation rule after getting the shot.
According to the statement, the COVID-19 vaccine can be provided any time during pregnancy.
However, in a statement to The New Indian Express, Dr Nupur Gupta, director, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, warned that pregnant women must consult their gynaecologists before considering the vaccine. “Vaccination for COVID-19 during pregnancy has been given a nod in India after what we have experienced during the second wave. It will be of great benefit to get themselves vaccinated. However, it should be in consultation with their gynaecologist with an informed consent explaining the pros and cons of the emergency approval given the current pandemic situation,” she told the paper.
Discussing the need for getting vaccinated, Dr Gupta further added, “It will especially be useful for pregnant women with comorbidities and those who are at high risk for exposure due to their work. We still don’t have trials on the vaccines that are available in India. But since pregnant women account for a large segment of our population (five per cent), it is worthwhile to get them vaccinated. Pregnant women now have a choice and can take their own decision in consultation with their doctor.”