Tag: Pregnant women

Are Covid-19 Vaccines Safe for Pregnant Women

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In a major policy shift, the Health Ministry on 2th July 2021 announced that pregnant women can now get vaccinated against Covid-19. Covid-19 vaccinations can save both pregnant woman and the child, said Dr N K Arora, Chairman, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization. The Covid-19 vaccination has been expanded to include all citizens above 18 years of age, making more than 69 per cent of the population eligible, of which nearly half 48 per cent are women. Recent studies have shown that pregnant women who get infected with Covid-19 are more likely to require intensive care. Coronavirus infection during pregnancy can result in rapid deterioration of health and affect the fetus also. The health ministry released a fact sheet and detailed information for Medical Officers for counselling pregnant women. All pregnant women need to register themselves on the Co-WIN portal or may get themselves registered on-site at the Covid-19 vaccination center. The process of registration for pregnant women remains the same as of the general population and as per the latest guidance provided by Health Ministry from time to time.

Why should pregnant women take vaccine

Pregnancy does not increase the risk of Covid-19 infection. Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a mild disease, but their health may deteriorate rapidly, affecting the fetus. It is also important for pregnant women to take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring Covid-19, including taking vaccination against Covid-19. It is therefore advised that a pregnant woman should take Covid-19 vaccines. Multiple studies and experts have recommended that vaccines available in the market are safe for pregnant women to take.

How does covid-19 affect the health of pregnant women

Over 90 percent pregnant women recover without any need for hospitalization. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that the case fatality rate in pregnant and postpartum women was 5.7 percent in the second wave as compared to just 0.75 percent in the first wave. Moreover, 28.7 percent of pregnant and postpartum mothers had severe symptoms in the second wave, as compared to 14.2 percent who showed any symptoms in the first wave. Those who are symptomatic appear to be at a higher risk of severe infection and death. In case of severe disease, they will need to be hospitalized. Pregnant women who are older than 35 years of age, and those who have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, are at higher risk of getting severe illness.

Precautions which need to be taken

Taking precautions against COVID-19 is extremely important for pregnant women, and so, it is advised that they take the COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple studies and experts have maintained that vaccines available are safe for pregnant women to take. The Covid-19 vaccination schedule can be started anytime during pregnancy. If a woman has been infected with Corona virus during the current pregnancy, she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery. Practice Covid appropriate behavior : wearing a double mask, frequent handwashing, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowded areas to protect themselves and those around from spreading the COVID-19 infection.

Pregnant womens eligible for COVID- 19 vaccination

The pregnant womens are now eligible for COVID 19 vaccination after the recommendation of NITAG (National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group) which is an advisory committee responsible for providing information related to vaccine to the national government of different country, as they follow evidence based work approach and play significant role in the whole pandemic situation. The decision got approved by the Union Health Ministry.


The centre has issued operational guidelines for the vaccination of pregnant women and the healthcare professionals who are responsible for the process. There is high risk of COVID 19 infection in case of pregnant women, which can impact the health of both the mother and the baby. The priority is to inform all such women about the risk, benefit, side effect and then get vaccinated. After most of the people getting vaccinated the centre’s decision on vaccination of pregnant women will surely strengthen the vaccination drive. Now they can register themselves on COVIN or directly visit the vaccination centre.

India and vaccination drive
India started with its vaccination drive in January 2021. It started when two indigenous vaccine Covisheild by Serum institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat biotech passed the trials and got approval. It is India’s first ever adult vaccination drive.
In the first phase of Vaccination drive, all the Frontline workers and healthcare staff got vaccinated and gradually, dividing the population into the category of 45+ and 18+ the vaccination drive begin for the public as well. Apart from this vaccination trials were performed on children as it is forecasted that the third wave is likely to affect children more than adults.


The challenges and progress
India is one of the largest and most populated country in the world. The government of India is running the biggest vaccination drive while they face many challenges which include-

  • Lack of participation
  • Wastage of vaccine
  • Lack of awareness
    While these are some of the most common yet the most difficult obstacles that made it difficult to run the vaccination process and to reach a greater number of people specially the illiterate and rural population of the country. The government planned the strategy from local to national level and made tremendous offers towards making the drive successful by –
  • Eliminating vaccine hesitation
  • Ensuring COVID protocols are followed including mandatory vaccination.
  • Encouraging participation in the vaccine drive

Conclusion
A smooth functioning of the vaccination drive is necessary in order to make sure that maximum number of people get benefited. India has already gone through the worst condition in the second wave where the nation witnessed oxygen shortage, no beds in hospital and medicines running out of stock. Not only this the but, the financial loss and shortage of resources, loss of livelihood in the time of pandemic left the common man shattered.
The pandemic also showed us the reality of our healthcare system and faulty administration. The medical infrastructure is still not well equipped with some of the most basic facility which is a matter of concern.