The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) kick-started vaccination for pregnant women on Saturday. During the second wave of COVID-19, pregnant women were severely affected and even the COVID disease had caused in some cases premature delivery, germ infection among other complications.
Earlier, pregnant women were not included in the vaccination drive of COVID 19 vaccination. However, after central government’s approval following the recommendations of health experts, civic chief Abhijit Bangar directed to start vaccination for them from July 17 at three civic hospitals in Vashi, Nerul and Airoli from 9 am to 5 pm.
“A number of researches were conducted at various levels to protect pregnant mothers by vaccination. In this regard, the effect of COVID 19 disease on the pregnant mother as well as the effect on the fetus was studied in depth. Even, there were researches on which quarter to get pregnant women vaccinated”, said an official from the civic health department. He added that the Central and State Governments have decided to vaccinate pregnant mothers as per the recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) as well as the World Health Organization.
As per the recommendations, pregnant women can be vaccinated at any time during pregnancy. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given along with the Td vaccine given during pregnancy. However, if not provided, it can be given at intervals of 15 days. Pregnant women can be vaccinated even if they have diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
As per the guidelines received by the government, special training has been imparted to the medical officers of the hospitals under the jurisdiction of NMMC as well as the civic primary health centers among others.
“We have started in the first phase from July 17 at civic hospitals in Vashi, Nerul and Airoli and soon covid vaccination facility will be made available for pregnant women in other hospitals. All pregnant women in the NMMC area should take advantage of this special vaccination session,” said Bangar.
