‘Breastfeeding mums, pregnant women cannot be vaccinated’
According to WHO, pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19 than nonpregnant women; and that Covid-19 has been associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth. Also, we only have limited data on whether the vaccine is safe for the foetus.
Dr Chin Zin Hing
KUCHING: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Sarawak would be excluded from the Covid-19 vaccination programme in line with World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommendations, said Health Department Sarawak director Dr Chin Zin Hing.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Guideline had indicated that the vaccine should be safe for the majority of the population, but a few groups would be excluded for the time being, he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Also excluded from the vaccination programme would be individuals with a history of severe allergies, individuals found positive with Covid19 virus, and individuals with immune system complications, he said.
For the record, WHO does not recommend for pregnant women to undergo vaccination at this time as there is insufficient data regarding this group.
“According to WHO, pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19 than non
pregnant women; and that Covid-19 has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Also, we only have limited data on whether the vaccine is safe for the foetus,” added Dr Chin.
He also pointed out the vaccine would also not be given to those currently undergoing treatment for Covid-19.
“The vaccine is safe and effective for people with various conditions that are associated with increased risks of severe diseases – they include those with hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney diseases, and chronic infections that are stable and controlled,” he said.
Dr Chin said the Ministry of Health would update the state Health Department from time to time regarding contraindications.
The state’s first phase of the rollout plan for immunisation would target 97,000 frontliners comprising mostly medical, police, and army personnel.
The launch would take place at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here at 10am today.