Nursing Mothers, Moms-to-be: Govt decides to inoculate them

The government has decided to inoculate pregnant women and nursing mothers against Covid-19.

But as of early today, it was not clear when the decision will be implemented and whether the age bar will be lowered in case the recipient is a pregnant woman or a new mother.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization in a statement yesterday said, "As per the recommendation from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group  the government decided to inoculate the mothers-to-be and the nursing mothers against Covid-19."

The advisory group made the recommendation on July 31.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in a circular yesterday said expecting and nursing mothers will have to register for the vaccine and take the jab at vaccination centres in government hospitals. They will also have to consult a doctor before they get the shot.

But they would not get the shot in case they felt unwell on the day of vaccination or had uncontrolled long-term illnesses or vaccine allergy.

A mother who might experience an adverse effect after taking the first dose will not get the second one.