New Delhi, July 2: The union health ministry on Friday approved the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19 based on recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

Till date, all other groups, including health care workers, frontline workers, and everyone over the age of 18, were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Now the nationwide vaccination drive has been extended to pregnant women. COVID-19 Vaccination For Pregnant Women Allowed in India, Health Ministry Says They Can Register on CoWin or Walk In to Nearest Centre.

Pregnant women who opt for vaccination can be vaccinated any time during their pregnancy at the nearest Government or Private COVID-19 Vaccination Center (CVC) after registration on CoWIN or by walk-in registration at the nearest CVC.

In a statement, the health ministry said that studies have shown that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of health of pregnant women and they are at an increased risk of severe diseases and it might affect the fetus too.

"The matter has been examined by domain knowledge experts based on the evidence that indicates that pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women in case they get infected. Further, pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk for preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes including higher chances of neonatal morbidity," it added.

Additionally, the experts have also highlighted pre-existing co-morbidities, advanced maternal age, and high body mass index as factors for severe COVID-19 in pregnancy.

NTAGI has recommended vaccination for pregnant women. The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has also unanimously recommended it.

Further, a national-level consultation on COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women was also convened by the health ministry to build consensus on COVID vaccination of pregnant women.

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