Pregnant women can be vaccinated against COVID-19, and the Health Ministry has issued guidelines.

The Union Health Ministry has issued new guidelines for the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine to pregnant women, stating that pregnancy does not increase the risk of infection.

“Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a mild disease, but their health may deteriorate quickly, affecting the foetus as well. They must take all precautions to avoid contracting Covid-19, including getting vaccinated against it. As a result, it is recommended that a pregnant woman receive Covid-19 vaccines “On Monday, the health ministry issued a statement.

There are 28 other countries that “allow” Covid vaccines in pregnancy, but not explicitly encourage them. Data from COMIT (Covid-19 Maternal Immunization Tracker), developed by the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research, show that another 46 countries either permit with restrictions or deny with exceptions.

Pregnant women should follow the following guidelines when receiving Covid-19 vaccines:

1.Covid-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women and protect them against the disease in the same way that other people do.

2.She may develop a mild fever, pain at the injection site, or feel ill for one to three days after receiving the vaccine.

3.Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or obesity, or who are over the age of 35, are at a higher risk of severe illness as a result of Covid-19.

4.The majority (over 95 per cent) of newborns born to Covid-19 positive mothers were in good health. In some cases, Covid-19 infections during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of premature delivery, the baby’s weight being less than 2.5 kg, and, in rare cases, the baby dying before birth.

5.If a woman was infected with Covid-19 during her current pregnancy, she should be vaccinated as soon as possible after giving birth.

6. every rarely (one in every 1-1.5 lakh people), pregnant women may experience the following symptoms within 20 days of getting vaccinated, which may necessitate immediate medical attention: Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting, limb pain or swelling, small pinpoint haemorrhages, limb weakness or paralysis, seizures with or without vomiting,  severe and persistent headaches with or without vomiting, and persistent vomiting for no apparent reason

According to the ministry, available Covid-19 vaccines are safe, and vaccination protects pregnant women from Covid-19 illness or disease.

The Union Health Ministry advised all pregnant women to register online at the Co-WIN portal or in person at the Covid-19 vaccination centre.