CANBERRA, Jan 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Pregnant Australian women are advised against receiving COVID-19 vaccines, until more data is available.
Vijay Roach, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), said, because of the low number of COVID-19 cases in Australia, it was “reasonable to wait for more data.”
As of last night, Australia recorded nine consecutive days with no confirmed community transmission.
“The underlying principle is, caution when it comes to pregnant women and unborn babies,” Roach said.
“In the current context, given the risk of a pregnant woman acquiring COVID-19 is low, there isn’t a reason to suggest pregnant women should get vaccinated.
“While it appears to be safe and while it’s probably safe, in a setting of low transmission, we don’t recommend it be used universally.”
The official said, the “large majority” of pregnant women, who contract COVID-19 will “experience only mild or moderate cold/flu-like symptoms.”
However, there was “no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage.”
The college’s advice was based on pregnant women not participating in early trials for vaccines.
Roach said, if evidence emerges from countries that have begun administering vaccines that they are safe for pregnant women, then the college would be “absolutely ready” to change its advice.– NNN-AGENCIES
