• Source:JND
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New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: The coronavirus pandemic has been equally devastating and harmful for all the genders of all age groups. Be it, women or men, everyone is at equal risk of catching the deadly virus and developing severe health problems due to it. However, the COVID-19 vaccine is proving to be lowering the severe effect of the deadly disease and reducing the hospitalisation rate. The vaccination drive in India has been started for all adults above 18 years of age and all those above 45 years and 60 years of age. The government is also ramping up the trials to get the data in order to start the vaccinations for children.

Meanwhile, apart from adults and children, the vaccinations for pregnant or lactating women will also start in the country in the coming weeks.  According to the Union Health Ministry, pregnancy does not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, however, it is important that they take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring COVID-19, including taking vaccination against COVID-19.

"Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a mild disease, but their health may deteriorate rapidly and that might affect the foetus too. It is important that they 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," the ministry said.

Here's a look at Health Ministry's guidelines for administering the COVID vaccine to pregnant women.

Who are in the high-risk category of getting an infection?

Someone who is a health care worker or a frontline worker; community having a high or increasing rate of COVID-19 infections; frequently exposed to people outside the household and difficulty in complying with social distancing if living in a crowded household.

What will happen if a pregnant woman catches COVID-19?

If a pregnant woman gets infected with the virus, the ministry said that although most (>90 per cent) infected pregnant women recover without any need for hospitalisation, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few. 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 hospitalization. Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions e.g, high blood pressure, obesity, age over 35 years are at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.

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

What about the baby's health?

On baby's health, the ministry informed that most (over 95 per cent) newborns of COVID-19 positive mothers have been in good condition at birth. In some cases, COVID-19 infections in pregnancy may increase the possibility of premature delivery, the baby's weight might be less than 2.5 kg and in rare situations, the baby might die before birth.

When will a woman get vaccinated if she gets infected with COVID-19 during her current pregnancy?

According to the Union Health Ministry, in case a woman has been infected with COVID-19 during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery. The government advised all pregnant women to register themselves on the Co-WIN portal or get themselves registered on-site at the COVID-19 vaccination centre. The process of registration for pregnant women remains the same as of the general population and as per the latest guidance provided by the Union Health Ministry from time to time.

Will there be any side effects of COVID vaccines on pregnant women?

The Health Ministry said that the COVID-19 vaccines available are safe and vaccination protects pregnant women against COVID-19 illness/disease. Like any medicine, a vaccine may have side effects which are normally mild. After getting the vaccine injection, she can get a 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), pregnant women may experience some of the following symptoms within 20 days after getting the COVID-19 vaccination which may require immediate attention.

In order to protect themselves and those around from spreading the COVID-19 infection, you must counsel the pregnant woman and her family members to continue practising the COVID-19 appropriate behaviours.