The case fatality rate known as CFR among pregnant women and women suffering postpartum was considerably high during the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic comparable to the first wave, said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday.
The study conducted by the ICMR also says that symptomatic cases have been high in pregnant and postpartum women during the Covid 19-second wave.
"Symptomatic cases were significantly higher at 28.7 per cent in the second wave (111/387), compared to the first wave (162/1143) when the proportion was 14.2 per cent," the ICMR said.
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"The case fatality rate (CFR) among pregnant women and postpartum women was 5.7 per cent (22/387) during the second wave, which was significantly higher compared to the scenario encounter in the first wave with CFR 0.7 per cent (8/1143)," the top research body claimed.
The ICMR further stated that the study emphasises the importance of vaccinating pregnant and lactating women against COVID disease.
It is to be noted that Covid vaccination for pregnant women has not been permitted by the centre yet. However, immunisation is recommended for all lactating women in the country.
The Union health ministry had said in its statement, "Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination of pregnant women, the matter is under discussion and further deliberation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI)."
Covid Vaccination of pregnant women with a high risk of exposure to the virus and those who have comorbid conditions has been suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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The number of deaths following Covid vaccination is only 0.0002 per cent of the 23.5 crore doses administered, the Health Ministry asserted.
"The risk of dying following vaccination is negligible as compared to the known risk of dying due to COVID-19," the ministry said.