COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant Women

At present, there is probably no disease that has drawn more public attention than COVID-19. For pregnant women, infection with COVID-19 brings even greater concern. Although reports of transmission from mother to fetus are very rare, and more than 90% of infected pregnant women experience mild symptoms and recover, those in the later stages of pregnancy have been found to be at higher risk of developing severe illness requiring hospitalization compared to non-pregnant women of the same age. In addition, there is a twofold increased risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

 

This has led public health agencies worldwide to issue recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women. It is recommended that all pregnant women have access to vaccination. In areas with low risk of infection, vaccination can begin from 12 weeks of gestation onward, while in high-risk areas, vaccination can be initiated immediately. There is no need to delay vaccination in breastfeeding women or those planning to become pregnant. If other vaccines have been administered previously, it is recommended to allow at least a two-week interval before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

The benefits of vaccination include reducing the risk of infection and complications such as preterm labor or miscarriage, especially in pregnant women with underlying medical conditions. Studies have also shown that mRNA vaccines administered during pregnancy can transfer immunity to the fetus through the placenta or to the infant through breast milk. For other types of vaccines, evidence remains limited. However, both the World Health Organization and the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that any available COVID-19 vaccine can be used.

 

At the same time, pregnant women should be aware of potential risks, as current research on vaccine effects specifically in pregnant women is still limited and available only for certain vaccine types. Although there are no reports indicating harm to the fetus or pregnancy, vaccines may cause side effects such as pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and fever. Viral vector vaccines have also been associated, in rare cases, with abnormal blood clotting. Nevertheless, these adverse events are uncommon and occur at similar rates in pregnant women as in non-pregnant women of the same age.

 

The decision to receive vaccination should consider two main factors. First, the level of risk of exposure to infection—for example, living with healthcare workers, residing in high-risk communities, frequent contact with others, or having a large household. Second, the risk of developing severe illness if infected, such as having underlying conditions like immunodeficiency, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or asthma, being overweight, being over 35 years old, or having a gestational age beyond 28 weeks. If both risk factors are present, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended.

 

 

source :Samitivej Chonburi Hospital

Samitivej Chonburi Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team