Specialist recommends putting off pregnancy for Covid-19 vaccination

MIRI: Women planning for pregnancy should put it off and be vaccinated against Covid19 first as good pre-pregnancy planning, said obstetrician and gynaecologist consultant Dr Roland Dom Mattu.

Covid-19 vaccination is advocated as pre-pregnancy care for mothers with identifiable risk factors and those seeking infertility treatment as a safeguard against infections by the coronavirus as complications are severe in pregnancy.

Dr Roland pointed out that although most pregnant mothers are asymptomatic, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation is higher particularly in cases with infection by the newer strains of this virus.

“Severe infections during pregnancies are associated with higher risk of pulmonary embolism, iatrogenic prematurity, stillbirth and maternal mortality,” he said.

Dr Roland pointed out that although evidence of the safety of Covid-19 vaccination continues to evolve and initial studies did not include pregnant mothers, virology principles and recent data suggest that these vaccines are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Evidence continues to emerge as more pregnant mothers are included in the study cohort.

Malaysia has kicked off its national vaccination programme with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin the first to take the jab on Feb 24 while Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg kicks off the first phase in the state tomorrow.

Upon completion of the first phase, the second and third phase of the state’s vaccination programme will start in April 1 until Aug 31.

The second phase will cover 929,435 individuals from the elderly and high-risk group, namely those with comorbidities whereas the third phase will be administered to 992,834 individuals who are aged 18 years and above

The chief minister has pledged free Covid-19 vaccinations for 2,019,431 eligible Sarawakians.