Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in WHO position and to clarify ACOG’s stance on the vaccine.
If you’re pregnant during the pandemic, major medical groups in the United States have a clear message for you – please consider being vaccinated against Covid-19.
“US regulatory bodies and medical experts have clearly stated that all eligible pregnant individuals should have the choice to receive the vaccine,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, vice president of practice activities for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
“There’s really no theoretical reason to believe it’s going to cause harm to either the mother, or her unborn child and we’re very confident it’s going to provide considerable benefits to both the mother and the baby,” said Dr. Richard Beigi, who sits on ACOG’s Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group.
Only a few people, such as those with severe allergies, a history of anaphylactic shock or who are suffering from advanced cancer would likely be advised to avoid the vaccine. Any pregnant woman with concerns should speak to her OB-GYN, experts say.
"Kumbuka: ""Hadithi hii imerekebishwa ili kuonyesha mabadiliko katika msimamo wa WHO na kufafanua msimamo wa ACOG juu ya chanjo." Ikiwa wewe ni mjamzito wakati wa janga, vikundi vikubwa vya matibabu nchini Marekani vina ujumbe wazi kwako - tafadhali fikiria kupata chanjo dhidi ya Covid-19. "Mashirika ya udhibiti wa Marekani na wataalamu wa matibabu wamesema wazi kwamba watu wote wajawazito wanaostahili wanapaswa kuwa na chaguo la kupokea chanjo hiyo,"" alisema Dk Christopher Zahn, makamu wa rais wa shughuli za mazoezi kwa Chuo cha Marekani cha Wataalamu wa Uzazi na Wanawake." "Hakuna sababu ya nadharia ya kuamini kwamba itasababisha madhara kwa mama au mtoto wake ambaye hajazaliwa na tuna uhakika sana kwamba itatoa faida kubwa kwa mama na mtoto, "alisema Daktari Richard Beigi, ambaye anakaa kwenye ACOG's Immunization, Infectious Disease, na Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group. """ Watu wachache tu, kama vile wale walio na mzio mkali, historia ya mshtuko wa anaphylactic au ambao wanateseka na saratani ya hali ya juu, huenda wakashauriwa kuepuka chanjo. Wanawake wote wajawazito wanaotarajia kupata mimba wanapaswa kuzungumza na daktari wao wa uzazi na uzazi, wataalamu wanasema.