Covid-19 vaccine and pregnant women

With Covid-19 vaccines available for use across various countries of the world, there are growing concern over its effect on pregnant women and nursing mothers.

According to the Academy of Medicine Specialties, pregnant women and other eligible populations should consult their doctors before taking the vaccine.

The group on Monday said in a statement by its Chairman on Scientific Committee, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, that it was unfortunate that pregnant and lactating women were not included in the vaccine trials.

The statement read in part, "as vaccination becomes available, the Academy of Medicine Specialties believes that both preventing the spread of existing COVID-19 infections and widespread vaccination is essential to control the pandemic and save lives.

"It is especially important that certain eligible patient populations, including pregnant women, consult with their trusted physicians when considering whether to take the vaccine. Since the beginning of the pandemic, various medical bodies urged that pregnant and lactating people to be included in the vaccine trials and research, unfortunately, they were not.

"While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful and is encouraged, it should not be required prior to vaccination as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access. We support additional data collection and research to continue to inform recommendations for these populations.

"Ongoing public health measures such as distancing, masking, hand hygiene, and appropriate personal protective equipment for health care personnel are critical in minimising the spread of existing COVID-19 infection and protecting health care providers around the globe. Vaccination is the key to the prevention of new infections.

"In addition to the above for Nigeria in particular pending the arrival of vaccines, we encourage the use of treatment protocols that have been found to reduce the mortality and morbidity of the disease. These treatments are inexpensive and they are well suited for our environment where cost is a major issue."