Can pregnant and lactating mothers take Covid vaccine?

If you are currently pregnant. breastfeeding or if you have an infant at home, you must be having many questions regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women? What consequence will it have on the mother and the baby? Are there any risks to the foetus and the mother if they take the vaccine while they are lactating? These are some of the most common thoughts that flash through your minds.

The primary reason for all these thoughts is that neither of the two vaccines administered in India, Covishield or Covaxin has been tested on pregnant or lactating women to know the efficiency and side effects.

Lately, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) that all those women who are lactating should get themselves jabbed. Reports say that the panel also advised that pregnant women should be informed and given a chance between the two vaccines during anti0natal checkups. However, these recommendations are yet to be approved by the government.

Can pregnant women take the Covid-19 vaccine?

Some doctors are of the view that women should get vaccinated before pregnancy. Even if one takes the vaccine without knowing that she is pregnant, then there isn’t any need to panic as there is no evidence that vaccination can lead to any defect in the baby.

Doctors say that presently, there is not sufficient data on the impact of the vaccine on pregnant women. That is why they would not be considered eligible yet.

About lactating women, Dr NK Arora, chairman of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Immunisation said, “With lactating women, there is no concern for the foetus anymore. Since it is not a live virus and the World Health Organisation also recommends that lactating women should be vaccinated, we have recommended including them in the eligible category.”

“Currently, the panel has not taken any final decision on vaccinating pregnant and lactating women. We will have to wait for some time”, he said.

However, mothers who are breastfeeding can get themselves vaccinated as there are no risks involved. The antibodies could pass to the babies as well and it may give immunity to the baby like other vaccines during pregnancy.

You may even get mild symptoms of Covid even after you have been vaccinated. Only the severity and complications reduces with the vaccine. Also, you can be an asymptomatic carrier. Therefore, it is necessary that you wear masks, follow social distancing and wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitisers. Vaccination plays a crucial role to escape from this pandemic. So, do not miss the chance to get vaccinated!