Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul on Friday has said that pregnant women should take Covid-19 vaccines, adding that the shots are safe and effective against deadly respiratory infections.
The available data on the vaccines suggests that they can be used by pregnant women and claimed to be safer for them and the child.
Dr Paul stated: "Apart from the mother, there is also a risk to the child in case she contracts the infection. The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines on this. Pregnant women should get vaccinated. It is very important."
Studies have found that there is an increase in chances that women can experience preterm delivery if she contracts Coronavirus during pregnancy.
On July 2, the Union Health Ministry had announced the inclusion of pregnant women in the ongoing mass vaccination drive against the Covid virus. The ministry also approved suggestions of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) on this subject.
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"Pregnant women may now register on CoWin or walk-in to the nearest Covid Vaccination Centre (CVC) to get themselves vaccinated," the ministry said.
It also stated that the functional protocols for insulating pregnant women have been shared with states/UTs. It will empower pregnant women to make an informed choice on getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
It further added: "The operational Guideline for vaccinating pregnant women, Counselling Kit for Medical Officers and FLWs, and IEC material for the public has been shared with States/UTs for its implementation."
Pregnant women are more prone to threats of contracting the virus which can deteriorate their health and also have an impact on the fetus too.
Thus, the ministry is now stressing the need to vaccinate pregnant women at the earliest.
Pregnant women who test positive for Covid are more likely to require intensive care than their non-pregnant counterparts.
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"Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have a mild disease, but their health may deteriorate rapidly and that might affect the foetus too. They must 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 had said earlier.