Pregnant women are having trouble getting vaccinated against COVID-19 even though they are eligible for Pfizer.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) have issued a reminder to practitioners and governments to routinely offer Pfizer to pregnant women.
“We are concerned that pregnant women are having difficulty accessing vaccination,” RANZCOG President Dr Vijay Roach said in a statement.
“The risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby.
“It’s critical that pregnant women, and their doctors, are aware of this clear advice and that barriers to pregnant women receiving the vaccine are removed.”
RANZCOG and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has advised it should be offered at any stage of pregnancy.
Global data has not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and there is also evidence of vaccine-induced antibodies in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity, the medical organisations say.
Women who are trying to become pregnant are also advised not to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
“The data are clear – COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is high risk, and COVID-19 vaccination is very safe, and provides strong protection against the virus,” RACGP President Dr Karen Price said.
The reminder follows Melbourne’s Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital being listed as a tier-one exposure site due to a case visiting a maternity centre for more than six hours.
AAP
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