Health experts have asked that pregnant women avoid Covid-19 vaccines as it has not been recommended for use.
In a recent post on the World Health Organization’s official website, experts said they do not recommend the use of the vaccine in pregnant women unless they are at high risk of being exposed to the virus.
“While pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended, unless they are at risk of high exposure (e.g. health workers).”
Speaking on the safety of Covid-19 vaccines in pregnancy, Jennifer Blake, the CEO of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, advised that the lack of research or data to show any adverse effect of the vaccine on pregnant women should not stop high-risk pregnant women from pursuing the vaccine if it is recommended by their doctor. “What we are telling pregnant women is the best advice we can give in the absence of that data,” she explained.
The Centre For Disease Control confirmed on their website also revealed that no major risks or side effects had been linked to the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to pregnancy, however, pregnant women should hold off on vaccination till after research is completed.
“No safety concerns were demonstrated in rates that received Modern COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy,” they explained. “However, be aware that these results are not based on tests performed on pregnant humans; research on pregnant women is still underway.”
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which provides guidance to the Public Health Agency of Canada, cautioned that the vaccines should not be “routinely offered” to pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, they have also said that people in high-risk situations should consider the vaccine, as its benefits outweigh the potential risks that a positive coronavirus diagnosis may bring.
Nonetheless, some countries including the UK have completely prohibited pregnant or breastfeeding women from getting the vaccine until more information becomes available.