Pregnant Women Now Eligible For COVID Vaccination

New Delhi: The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Friday approved the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19.

According to a ministry release, the decision was based on the recommendations in this regard by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).

“Pregnant women, who opt for vaccination, can be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines available in the country any time during their pregnancy at the nearest government or private COVID-19 Vaccination Centre (CVC) after registration on CoWIN or by walk-in registration at the nearest CVC,” the release said.

The ministry said the decision has been communicated to all the States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement it under the ongoing National COVID Vaccination Program.

“The operational guideline for vaccinating pregnant women, counselling kit for medical officers and FLWs, and IEC material for the public has been shared with States/UTs for its implementation,” the release added.

Notably, a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research had found that pregnant and postpartum women were more severely affected during the second COVID-19 wave in the country than the first, with case fatality rates and symptomatic cases being significantly higher this year.