Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V, Moderna vaccines safe for pregnant women, lactating moms: Dr VK Paul

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jun 29, 2021: Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul on Tuesday said that four Covid-19 vaccines -- Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V and Moderna -- that have been approved by the government, are safe for lactating mothers and pregnant women, adding that an advisory with regards to their vaccination will be released soon.

 

Dr VK Paul also reiterated that vaccines have no association with infertility.

Vaccine is safe for pregnant women, and the Health Ministry is examining it further, Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, said on Tuesday.

India kickstarted the vaccination drive against Covid-19 in January this year with two vaccines -- Covishield and Covaxin. The next to be granted emergency use approval in India was Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 and the latest to be added to the list is the Moderna Covid vaccine, which was given nod for emergency use in India on Tuesday.

"These four vaccines [Covaxin, Covishield, Sputnik V and Moderna] are safe for lactating mothers. Vaccine has no association with infertility, Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, said during a press conference.
"An advisory for pregnant women with regards to vaccination is to be released soon. Vaccine is safe for pregnant women, and the Health Ministry is examining it further," he added.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has prepared a guide for frontline workers and vaccinators on counselling pregnant women about the value and precautions of the Covid-19 vaccine for them to be able to make an informed decision.

Although more than 90 per cent infected pregnant women recover without any need for hospitalisation, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few and that might affect the foetus also, the fact-sheet document read.

"It is, therefore, advised that a pregnant woman should take Covid-19 vaccine," it said.

However, pregnancy does not increase the risk of Covid-19 infection, the document added.

The document reads: "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."

’Frontline worker/vaccinator needs to counsel pregnant women’

The fact-sheet says that a frontline worker or a vaccinator needs to counsel pregnant women about the availability, value and precautions of the vaccine.

"This note provides you with the information that you need to educate and support pregnant women so that they can make an informed decision about getting the Covid-19 vaccine," the note said.

The note, structured questions-answers format, makes it easier for frontline workers to inform pregnant women and their families about the most important issues related to their vaccination.

Covid-positive during pregnancy

The document said pregnant women, older than 35 years of age, obese, having a pre-existing illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure and having a history of clotting in the limbs are at a higher risk of developing complications after Covid-19 infection.

In case a woman has been infected with Covid-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery, the document read.

On the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccines, the fact-sheet stated that the Covid-19 vaccines available are safe and vaccination protects pregnant women against Covid-19 illness/disease like other individuals.

Like any medicine, a vaccine may have side effects which are normally mild. After getting the vaccine injection, a pregnant woman can get mild fever, pain at the injection site or feel unwell for 1-3 days. The long-term adverse effects and safety of the vaccine for foetus and child is not established yet.

"Very rarely [one in 1-5 lakh persons], the pregnant women may experience some symptoms within 20 days after getting the Covid-19 vaccination which may require immediate attention," it said.

Courtesy:India Today