India is just a week away to begin a liberalised & accelerated ‘Phase 3’ strategy of COVID-19 vaccination from May 1. India will begin the largest vaccination drive in which everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible to get vaccine.
With unprecedented spread of the deadly virus India made a new record for the fourth time in a row by registering 3,46,786 new cases in the last 24 hours. India again broke its own record on today in the increasing cases of Covid-19 in the world adding woe to the problems.
The significant move will help India to tackle the havoc caused worst man-made disaster the world could imagine.
Although with the mega vaccination drive where India has already vaccinated 13.83 Crores many are still skeptical on whether to get the vaccination due to several viral posts and false reports which are being circulated on social media platforms regarding the vaccine of pregnant woman and lactating mother.
Breaking such myths on whether the vaccine is safe for pregnant woman, lactating woman, and woman who are on their menstrual cycle Dr Swati Sarda Obstetrician and Gynecologist Ketki Nursing Home Dhantoli shared her insights.
Dr Swati Sarda informed that “pregnant women are at increased risk of severe COVID-19-associated illness compared with non-pregnant women because of the altered immunity. This can cause serious health issues for mother and baby so preventing critical COVID-19 infection is of paramount importance for both the mother and her baby”.
“Presently there are not enough trials to suggest whether the Covid vaccination can be safely done during pregnancy but with the available data no side effects of vaccination were seen during trails on pregnant woman and even after delivery. International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO) suggest offering Covid vaccination during pregnancy.
FIGO has urged health care providers to support pregnant women to make an informed decision regarding COVID-19 vaccination in consultation with their obstetrician. The decision should be made after discussing with the patient about:
• Level of activity of the virus in the local community
• Potential efficacy of the vaccine
• Lack of safety data specific to its use in pregnancy
• Risk and potential severity of maternal disease, including the possible effects of the disease on the foetus (preterm birth) and new born
• Timing of vaccination during pregnancy.
Speaking on the possible side effects which could occur after vaccination Dr Sarda informed that “Some common side effects after vaccination can include fever or body ache”.
Speaking on which vaccine should be taken during pregnancy she added that “There is currently no preference for the use of a particular COVID-19 vaccine, but pregnant women who agrees to be vaccinated should be advised to complete their two-dose series (where applicable) with the same vaccine product. It is advisable that a COVID-19 vaccine series should be administered without any other vaccine, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after administration of any other vaccine like tetanus or influenza which are regularly given during pregnancy”.
No preparation needed as such for vaccination apart from the social distancing norms and avoiding going to crowded places or waiting too long for vaccination and to check that no other vaccine was taken within 14 days.
Breaking the myth on whether lactating moms should get vaccination jab or not Dr Sarda said that “Breastfeeding mothers must get vaccinated as there are no risks for vaccinating breastfeeding mothers. The antibodies could pass to the babies as well and it may offer immunity to the baby also like other vaccines given in pregnancy”.
Since India began vaccination drive many social media posts have been passing on fake information among people one such is that in particular days of menstrual cycle one must not be vaccinated to which Dr Sarda informed that “all posts that claims such information are false. There are no guidelines suggesting this. Presently getting vaccinated is a priority and everyone above 18 yrs. must get vaccinated as soon as possible”. “Vaccination is the key to come out of this Covid pandemic and with current situation and daily surge one must not skip the vaccination drive and register themselves for the same. Go with prior registartions so that no one will have to wait for long”. Stay Home Stay Safe!
