23% of pregnant women in Chandigarh inoculated

Naina Mishra
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 28

In a fortnight, the UT has vaccinated 23 per cent of the total number of pregnant women in the city with Covishield, a vaccine against Covid-19.

There are around 3,000 pregnant women registered with the UT Health Department. Around 700 of them have been inoculated since July 13.

City sees 5 cases

Chandigarh: The city on Wednesday reported five new cases of Covid-19 and no death. A total of six patients were cured of the disease in the past 24 hours. TNS

Dr Amandeep Kaur Kang, Director, Health Services, UT, said, “Every Tuesday, we have antenatal day at our clinics. Last Tuesday, we were able to inoculate 50 odd pregnant women and counselled others. Those who were counselled turned up in good numbers yesterday. Around 150 expectant mothers had turned up.”

Dr Kang added, “There are case reports of preterm birth in women with Covid-19 and hence, it is important for them to take the vaccine. Seven pregnant women have lost their lives in the city due to Covid-19.”

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had stated that like any medicine, a vaccine might have side effects, which are normally mild. After getting the vaccine, she can get mild fever, pain at the injection site, or feel unwell for one to three days. The long-term adverse effects and safety of the vaccine for foetus and the child are not established yet.

Why vaccinate pregnant women?

According to the Health Ministry, “Although more than 90 per cent infected pregnant women recover without a need for hospitalisation, rapid deterioration in health may occur in a few. Symptomatic pregnant women appear to be at an increased risk of severe disease and death. In severe cases, like all other patients, pregnant women may also need hospitalisation. Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and age over 35 years are at higher risk of severe illness due to Covid-19.”

The Ministry had also clarified that Covid-19 vaccines available are safe and vaccination protects pregnant women against Covid. Experts believe that vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to the pregnant person or foetus.