Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have come as a ray of hope. Though, India is all set to kick off Covid-19 vaccination drive from 16 January, some countries have already begun vaccinating their people. In India, the government has established a priority list and those in that category will be vaccinated first.
Some crucial things still need to be discussed in a sustained attempt to help the general public recognize the use of vaccines in the battle against COVID-19.
Should pregnant women get the COVID vaccine?
Should pregnant women get the COVID vaccine? This is one of the most common questions that arise in people’s minds these days.
According to the CDC, ‘Pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a very high level of risk for developing serious diseases that can lead to ICU admission.’ Therefore, vaccines for COVID-19 are also considered unsafe for women who are pregnant. Experts say that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not endanger their children’s health by taking the vaccine.
Dr. Arun Wadhwa, MD (Paediatrics), SDPSG explains that no company has yet tested the vaccine in pregnancy. CDC has advised against giving the vaccine to pregnant and lactating mothers. UK authorities have advised women not to get pregnant for two months after the shot. Since the vaccines available till now are not live vaccines, it should not cause any the problem if given inadvertently.
“Women should have no concerns or doubts about the effect on pregnancy or fertility of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since they are considered a vulnerable demographic, women are exempt from selected drug studies. However, prior to taking the vaccine shots, it is often best to contact the doctor,” Dr. Wadhwa added.
YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Here’s All Women Need To Know About Pregnancy During COVID-19
What Does Research Suggest?
There is no scientific research to show that COVID-19 vaccines are not healthy for pregnant women. It’s just the presumption. Some doctors say that pregnant women are vulnerable and should not place the infant at risk in the womb. For a lot of clarification, the vaccinations will be checked on pregnant women before they will have to wait to get the vaccine.
Research released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists indicates that even though there are no safety data for COVID-19 vaccine use so far, pregnant women who meet the vaccination requirements should be given the vaccine.
According to the CDC, as this type of vaccine does not contain the live virus that can cause coronavirus disease, mRNA vaccine can be given to pregnant women. The mRNA does not reach the nucleus of your cells and does not interfere with your DNA either. That is why mRNA vaccinations for women who are pregnant are considered healthy.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, now approved for emergency use in the US have not been tested on pregnant individuals because researchers want to know how vaccines function in stable, non-pregnant individuals first. And then will they make decisions on whether expectant parents should be screened for such vaccines.
This is characteristic of any new vaccine, although it shouldn’t be, some experts say.
In the meantime, if they want to get the injection, it is mainly up to pregnant women who are registered for the shots to decide for themselves.
