COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers, says experts panel
In a significant development, over 2.27 lakh pregnant women have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine under the ongoing National COVID Vaccination drive. This can be seen as a result of regular counseling of the pregnant women by health workers and medical officers about risks of COVD-19 infection to pregnant women and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. This sustained campaign has empowered pregnant women to make an informed choice on taking the COVID vaccination.
State of Tamil Nadu is leading the way by vaccinating over 78,838 pregnant women, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 34,228, Odisha with 29,821, Madhya Pradesh with 21,842, Kerala with 18,423 and Karnataka with 16,673 pregnant women vaccinated.
As part of the campaign to allay fears, apprehensions, misinformed rumours and some social taboos and issues, a guidance note to assist the States/UTs in operationalizing the COVID vaccination programme for pregnant women was shared by the Union Health Ministry on 2nd July 2021. This was followed up by training of the programme managers, service providers and frontline health workers to equip them to counsel the pregnant women and their family during antenatal care about importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. The States/UTs further sensitized their vaccination teams in the Government and private COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) regarding COVID vaccination for pregnant women.
Several initiatives have been taken by States to encourage pregnant women to be motivated for the vaccine, such as special vaccination sessions for the pregnant women. Counselling the eligible beneficiaries by the frontline workers and counsellors at the antenatal clinics, mobilization by ASHAs for vaccination and innovative practices like issue of certificate by Deputy Commissioner to the pregnant and lactating women who were first to get themselves vaccinated have resulted in building confidence and acceptance in the community.
It has come to the knowledge of the department that in some parts of Khowai district there is a myths or rumours that an infant died after feeding breast milk of her mother who had recieved Covid 19 vaccination on 27.07.21.
As a matter of a fact the infant was having fever for 7 – 8 days and without medical treatment.
Moreover without consultation the infant was given Syrup Paracetamol which was arranged locally.
Today the condition of the child had detoriated and on the way to Teliamura SDH the infant died.
The unfortunate death has no relation with Covid 19 vaccination of her mother.
So it is for your all kind information that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for Lactating mother and don’t believe the rumors or myths.
Covid 19 vaccine is safe for all ,so please don’t concentrate on the rumors and play a vital role in 100% vaccination of the community in larger interest.