Pregnant women now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination

In a major development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India has announced that pregnant women are eligible for Covid-19 vaccination.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accepted the recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).
“Pregnant women may now register on CoWin or walk-in to the nearest Covid Vaccination Centre (CVC) to get themselves vaccinated," said the ministry.

Health Ministry further added, "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 ministry also said that the decision empowers pregnant women to make an informed choice on taking the Covid vaccination.
Pregnant women have been at increased risk of getting infected with the virus which could also result in rapid deterioration of health and affect the fetus too.

The procedure for getting the Covid-19 vaccine for women is the same as for other beneficiaries who are eligible to receive the vaccine. Pregnant women can get vaccinated at the Government or Private vaccination centre either by registering on CoWin or opt for walk-in registration at the nearest centre.

Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Dr Balram Bhargava had earlier said that Covid-19 vaccine should be given to pregnant women as it is useful for them.

A recent study by the ICMR had revealed that pregnant and postpartum women were more severely affected during the second Covid-19 wave in India than the first, with case fatality rates and symptomatic cases being significantly higher this year.