The Malta College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is strongly advising pregnant women to take the COVID-19 vaccine in view of the recent increase in COVID-19 complications that we are seeing in pregnant women.
Vaccination is the best way to reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19 in pregnancy so as to reduce potential complications to both mother and child, the college said in a statement. COVID-19 vaccination may potentially reduce the risk of admission of the mother to intensive care, premature birth of the baby and still birth.
It has been shown that the COVID-19 vaccine can be taken in pregnancy and breast feeding. If the women is trying to get pregnant she can still take the vaccine and there is also no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility. Women may wish to discuss the benefits and risks of taking the vaccine with their health care professional and reach a joint decision.
Up to now we were advising that only women with high risk of exposure to the virus or with high risk medical conditions should be offered the vaccine. "We are now revising this advice so that all pregnant women should consider taking the COVID-19 vaccine after their 12th week of pregnancy."
In order to book an appointment for the Pfizer vaccine, pregnant women are asked to call 145 or send an email on [email protected].