On the 2nd of July, the Union Health Ministry approved the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination for pregnant women in India.
Until now, pregnant and lactating mothers were not allowed/eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines. However, the matter has been examined by domain knowledge experts based on the evidence that indicate that pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from Covid compared to non-pregnant women in case they get infected.
The approval was based on the recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI.) The advisory conducted a detailed study of the COVID-19 vaccines and its impact on pregnant women, following which approved the same.
In addition, after the NTAGI approval, a national level consultation on COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women was also convened by the Union Health Ministry to build consensus. The consultation unanimously welcomed the recommendation of NTAGI to vaccinate pregnant women.
With this, four vaccines available in India, the Serum Institute of India’s Covishield, the Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech International Private Limited manufactured COVAXIN,
Russia made Sputnik V and Moderna could be given to lactating mothers and pregnant women.
Dr. V.K. Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog, said, “These four vaccines [Covaxin, Covishield, Sputnik V and Moderna] are safe for lactating mothers. The vaccine has no association with infertility.”
Pregnant women now could make an informed choice on taking the Covid vaccination. The Union Ministry further said, pregnant women could either register on the CoWIN portal for vaccination slots or walk in to the nearest COVID-19 vaccination centre to get themselves inoculated.
The decision has been communicated to all the states and union territories (UTs) and asked to make necessary arrangements for such women. The Union Ministry said, “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.”
With this, only the population below 18 are exempted from COVID-19 vaccine in India. The trials of COVID-19 vaccine on children are being held at various health/medical institutes with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR.)
Stay tuned for further updates.
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