Pregnant ladies in Kerala not eager to get Covid jabs, specialists say don’t delay it

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Covid vaccine hesitancy is on the rise amongst pregnant ladies, regardless of the advantages it gives in stopping severity of the an infection throughout being pregnant, well being specialists have stated. This, they stated, was evident from the spike in calls made by pregnant ladies and households to investigate concerning the security of the vaccines.

The spike got here within the wake of the deaths of three younger ladies, together with a pregnant one, after getting the jab, within the final week of August. They have urged the federal government to launch an consciousness marketing campaign to persuade pregnant ladies about the advantages of vaccination.

“We used to receive calls when the vaccination for pregnant women started. The frequency of calls reduced when people started accepting the vaccine. Now, it has gone up again,” stated Dr Sheeja Sugunan, superintendent of Sree Avittam Thirunal Hospital (SAT) Hospital, which treats a number of the complicated illnesses affecting moms and youngsters. 

She has suggested pregnant ladies to take the vaccine immediately because the its advantages far outweigh its dangers. “Covid infection during pregnancy increases the risk of mortality for the mother and child. For the child, it is in the form of preterm labour or abortion,” she stated.

Professor of paediatrics at MES Medical College Dr Purushothaman Kuzhikkathukandiyil stated, “The concerns are natural. But there is no doubt that pregnant women should be vaccinated.” He stated whereas the Covid first wave claimed the lives of seven moms, over 75 expectant moms died within the second wave. The an infection additionally led to delivery of untimely infants with low weight. 

The deaths among the many three younger ladies have been associated to blood clots resulting in bleeding within the mind and it was too early in charge the vaccines, stated well being specialists. “Both vaccines and pregnancy can cause blood clots in the brain (Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis). It is a rare complication. What we know for sure is that Covid infection can complicate pregnancy. So, there should not be hesitancy,” stated Dr Sheeja. The specialists have been unanimous about the necessity to get vaccinated and stated these keen ought to be allowed to take the jab of their alternative. At current, the vast majority of individuals has taken Covishield or Covaxin. They stated the efficacy and security knowledge of each vaccines have been inversely associated. 

“It is true that several European countries have halted giving Covishield to people aged below 40. Also, the recommended gap between two Covishield doses is 84 days while it takes just four weeks in the case of Covaxin,” stated Dr Purushothaman.