Pregnant women should consult specialists before Covid vaccination

PUTRAJAYA: Pregnant women can take the Covid-19 vaccine but need to consult their doctors and specialists on the risks of the vaccination, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

“Getting the Covid-19 vaccine can be considered on a ‘caseby-case basis’ for those who are pregnant after consulting their doctors. Doctors need to discuss (with them) and consider the risks and benefits of the vaccination.

“Administering the Covid19 vaccine can be considered if the benefits of the vaccination outweigh any risk to the recipient and foetus.

“The Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy can also be considered if the risk of exposure to the virus is high and difficult to avoid.”

Dr Adham said this at a press conference with Coordinating Minister for the National Covid19 Immunisation Programme, Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, after attending the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee (JKJAV) meeting, here, yesterday.

On administering the vaccine to lactating mothers, he said there was no data showing that it could affect the breast milk.

“Therefore, if there is no contraindication of vaccination to mothers who are breastfeeding, the Covid-19 vaccine can be given to them,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry encouraged breastfeeding.