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‘Can’t vaccinate pregnant women under blanket policy’

07 May 2021

 

  • Family Health Bureau notes each pregnant woman unique health-wise

  • OBGYNs urge vaccination for all pregnancies  

  • Say first 28 weeks asymptomatic 

  • Covid positive pregnant women at high risk of pneumonia complications

  BY Hiranyada Dewasiri and Pamodi Waravita   Although Sri Lanka recorded the first Covid-19 death of an expectant mother on 5 May, the Family Health Bureau (FHB) said that all pregnant women cannot be vaccinated against the virus under a blanket policy as different mothers have various health conditions. “So far, globally, the only vaccinated mothers are those facing high risks such as pregnant women in the frontlines of Covid-19. Not all pregnant women can be vaccinated under a blanket policy as different pregnant women would be having different conditions and we cannot use them as guinea pigs,” Ministry of Health FHB Director Dr. Chithramalee De Silva said speaking to The Morning yesterday (6). Dr. De Silva said however that they are preparing a proposal on vaccinating expectant mothers to be handed over to the FHB Advisory Committee. The proposal is based on the information made available through the World Health Organisation (WHO) on vaccinating expectant mothers. Holding a press conference yesterday (6), the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SLCOG) said that expectant mothers are under threat of Covid-19 after the first 28 weeks, and that pregnant women should therefore be vaccinated. Castle Street Women’s Hospital Senior Consultant Dr. Sanath Lanerolle said yesterday that expectant mothers face Covid-19 complications after the first 28 weeks of their pregnancy and that if they are infected with Covid-19 in the first 28 weeks, they would mostly be asymptomatic. “About 80% of women who develop the disease in the first 28 weeks have no symptoms. If you do a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, then you can detect it. During this time, complications in the fetus are less. Complications can increase after the first 28 weeks and pregnant women should therefore seek immediate medical attention if they have any particular symptoms,” he added. Addressing the same press briefing, SLCOG President Dr. Pradeep De Silva requested that expectant mothers in all stages of their pregnancy be vaccinated. In the statement issued earlier by the SLCOG, they stated that the vaccination of pregnant women is recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of England. The WHO stated in February that very little data is available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy. However, they state that pregnant women may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks. Thereby, they have suggested that pregnant women with a high risk of exposure to the virus or those with co-morbidities may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider. On 5 May, Sri Lanka marked the first Covid-19 death of an expectant mother. The Morning learnt that five Covid-19 positive expectant mothers are currently receiving treatment in Intensive Care Units. Meanwhile, the FHB has also warned of the increased risk of pneumonia related complications in pregnant women who contract Covid-19. Dr. Chithramalee De Silva told The Morning that due to the rapid spread of the B.1.1.7 variant of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, more pregnant women are getting infected with the Covid-19 virus, with a higher risk of contracting pneumonia as well. “The likelihood of complications arising as a result of Covid-19 is higher in expectant mothers than in other women. We are urging pregnant women to be extra cautious and to adhere to strict health guidelines such as wearing face masks, washing hands, and avoiding crowded areas,” said Dr. De Silva. Dr. De Silva further said that the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena has instructed that at least one hospital per district has to have a specialised Covid-19 ward for pregnant women.


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