Fact-Sheet to guide the Frontline Health Care Workers and Vaccinators

Why is COVID-19 vaccine being recommended for pregnant women?

• Pregnancy does not increase the risk to COVID-19 infection
• Most pregnant women will be asymptomatic or have mild disease, BUT their health may deteriorate rapidly and that might affect the foetus too.
• It is important that they take all precautions to protect themselves from acquiring COVID-19, including taking vaccination against COVID-19.
• It is therefore advised that a pregnant woman should take COVID-19 vaccines.

Who are at higher risk of getting infected with COIVD-19?

• Someone who is a health care worker or a frontline worker
• Community having high or increasing rate of COVID-19 infections
• Frequently exposed to people outside the household
• Difficulty in complying with social distance if living in a crowded household

How does COVID-19 affect the health of the pregnant woman?

• Although most (>90 percent) infected pregnant women recover without need for hospitalization, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few.
• Symptomatic pregnant women appear to be at increased risk of severe disease and death. In severe disease, like all other patients, pregnant women may also need hospitalization.
• Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, age over 35 years are at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID19.

How does COVID-19 infection of pregnant women affect the baby?

• Most (over 95 percent) of newborns of COVID-19 positive mothers have been in good condition at birth.
• In some cases, COVID-19 infections in pregnancy may increase the possibility of premature delivery, baby’s weight might be less than 2.5 KG and in rare situations, baby might die before birth.

Which pregnant women are at higher risk of developing complication after COVID-19 infection?

• Pregnant women who are:
  
  • Older than 35 years of age
  • Obese
  • Have an underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Have a history of clotting in the limbs

If a pregnant woman has already had COVID, when should she be vaccinated?

• In case a woman has been infected with COVID during the current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery.

Are there any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines that can either harm the pregnant women or her foetus?

• COVID-19 vaccines available are safe and vaccination protects pregnant women against COVID 19 illness/disease like other individuals.
• Like any medicine a vaccine may have side effects which are normally mild After getting the vaccine injection, she can get mild fever, pain at injection site, or feel unwell for 1-3 days. 
• The long-term adverse effects and safety of vaccine for foetus and child is not established yet.
• Very rarely, (one in 1 to 5 lakh persons) the beneficiary may afterCOVID19 vaccination, experience some of the following symptoms within 20 days after getting the injection which may need immediate attention.

Symptoms occurring within 20 days after receiving any COVID 19 vaccine

• Shortness of breath (difficulty in breathing)
• Chest Pain
• Pain in limbs / pain on pressing the limbs or swelling in the limbs (arm or calf)
• Small pinpoint haemorrhages (petechial) or bruising of the skin beyond the vaccination site
• Persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting
• Seizures in the absence of previous history of seizures with or without vomiting
• Severe and persistent headaches with or without vomiting (in the absence of previous history of migraine or chronic headache)
• Weakness/paralysis of limbs or any particular side of the body
• Persistent vomiting without any obvious reason
• Blurred vision/ pain in eyes

Any other symptom or health condition which is of concern to the recipient or the family

When should the vaccine be given to the pregnant woman?

• The COVID-19 vaccination schedule can be started anytime during pregnancy.

What other precautions need to be advised to the pregnant woman after vaccination?

• You must counsel the pregnant woman and her family members to continue to practice COVID appropriate behaviour: wearing double mask, frequent handwashing, maintaining physical distance, and avoiding crowded areas, to protect themselves and those around from spreading the COVID-19 infection.

How does a pregnant woman register herself for Covid-19 vaccination?

• All pregnant women need to register themselves on Co-WIN portal or may get themselves registered on-site at the COVID-19 vaccination centre. The process of registration for pregnant women remains same as of the general population and as per the latest guidance provided by MoHFW from time to time.

Source : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare