Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy
Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy
(Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India)
- All individuals above 18 years of age including pregnant women are now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination.
- Symptomatic pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe diseases and it might affect the foetus too. Hence, the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women.
- Pregnant women at increased risk of Covid-19 complications include:
- Older than 35 years of age
- Obese
- Have a pre-existing illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have a history of clotting in the limbs
- Covid-19 increases the risk of:
- Pre-mature delivery
- Baby’s weight might be less than 2.5 kg
- In rare situations, the baby might die before birth
- Covid-19 vaccine can be taken anytime during pregnancy and it should be taken at the earliest
- In case a woman has been infected with COVID during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after delivery
- COVID-19 is safe in pregnancy. Minor side effects like fever, pain at the site or feeling unwell for 1-3 days can occur.
- The long-term adverse effects and safety of the vaccine for foetus and child is not yet established yet.