brand logo

No decision on vaccinating pregnant women

04 Jun 2021

  • No guidelines despite Health Ministry committee’s green light

By Buddhika Samaraweera   Although a Health Ministry advisory committee on immunisation has recommended the provision of the anti Covid-19 vaccines for expectant mothers, no final decision has been taken so far with regard to inoculating pregnant women, The Morning learnt. When contacted by The Morning, Public Health Services Deputy Director General, Health Ministry Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head, and the Health Ministry Communications Director Dr. Hemantha Herath said that it is not possible to reach a quick decision in this regard to the possible complications that may arise from vaccinating pregnant women. “We need to set the right guidelines in order for the vaccination to be safe and effective. But the guidelines are not something that can be completed in a short period of time,” he reiterated. "Special attention should be paid to pre-pregnancy and late pregnancy conditions. No country in the South Asian region has so far come to a conclusion about giving anti Covid-19 vaccines to pregnant women.” Taking into account the vulnerability of pregnant women to become infected with the Covid-19 virus, the Health Ministry’s advisory committee on immunisation recently recommended vaccinating expectant mothers. Dr. Herath noted however that the relevant circular is presently being prepared by institutions such as the Family Health Bureau and the Epidemiology Unit. By now, a few deaths of pregnant women have been reported, while nearly 200 have tested positive for the virus.  


More News..