The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have recommended Covid-19 vaccine for all pregnant women. Those who have recently delivered and had not taken the vaccine during pregnancy are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated at the earliest.

This recommendation is based on evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines during pregnancy and in view of the low vaccination rate and the rise in the number of cases due to the delta variant. Mortality has also been reported to be higher in the unvaccinated persons.

The two international bodies also strongly recommend that their members “enthusiastically recommend vaccination” to their patients. Pregnant women should be informed about the safety of the vaccines and the increased risk of severe complications associated with COVID-19 infection, including death, during pregnancy

Dr William Grobman, President SMFM said, “COVID-19 vaccination is the best method to reduce maternal and fetal complications of COVID-19 infection among pregnant people”.

“It is clear that pregnant people need to feel confident in the decision to choose vaccination, and a strong recommendation from their obstetrician–gynecologist could make a meaningful difference for many pregnant people,” said Dr J Martin Tucker, President ACOG. “Pregnant individuals should feel confident that choosing COVID-19 vaccination not only protects them but also protects their families and communities”, he further added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conversely, does not make a clear recommendation for vaccination of pregnant women, but says that pregnant women can receive a Covid-19 vaccine and that “getting vaccinated is a personal choice”.

Pregnant women in India also can now take the vaccine during their pregnancy following approval of Covid-19 vaccine by the Health ministry last month. Currently, three vaccines are authorised for use in the country: Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V. The Ministry has however said that “the pregnant women may be informed about the risks of exposure to COVID-19 infection along with the risks and benefits associated with the COVID-19 vaccines available in the country”. This information will help the pregnant woman to make an informed decision based on the understanding that the risk of infection and/or morbidity from Covid-19 outweighs the undescribed risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy. The operational guidelines of the Health Ministry say that the vaccine can be taken at any time during the pregnancy; but it has been suggested that taking the vaccine during the second trimester may be safer.

(Source: ACOG News Release, July 30, 2021; MOHFW)