The Department of Health recently announced that pregnant women are now included in the expanded A3 vaccination priority list. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergiere noted that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe for pregnant women and that expecting moms are recommended to take their jabs during their second or third trimester. She added that among the vaccines available in the Philippines, the Russian-made Sputnik V is the only vaccine that should not be administered to pregnant women.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.”
“It is a big step for the DOH to include pregnant women in the A3 category. This guarantees them access to vaccination during their pregnancy," said OB-GYN Dr. Godofredo Linco. "Many of our pregnant patients are either housewives, on leave, or have resigned from their work or profession due to the pandemic. This makes them less of a priority in the vaccine dissemination program."
Dr. Linco added that those who are pregnant belong to the vulnerable group, especially that they usually visit healthcare facilities for prenatal checkups. “Eventually they will have to deliver in a hospital or clinic, wherein chances of exposure are inevitable. With the emergence of the new Delta strain, known to even attack our pediatric age group, it is prudent that our expectant mothers be fully vaccinated prior to delivery, with hopes that her antibodies can offer protection both for herself and her newborn.”
So what should pregnant women keep in mind before, during, and after their COVID-19 vaccine? Dr. Linco dishes out important tips.
Before the jab
1. If you are unsure whether pregnant or not: Do a simple urine pregnancy test.
2. If you are certain that you are pregnant, seek the advice of your doctor first, whether it’s your OB-GYN, midwife, or family medicine doctor. They can properly assess your condition and determine the age of gestation. Knowing your history, they are the right persons to ask your questions and clarifications about vaccines. Consulting them will also prepare you for the possible questions that will be asked from you at the vaccination site (like your last day of menstruation).
3. Keep yourself updated on the latest advisory from your local government regarding vaccination schedules and the process of registration.
4. Read up on helpful information about updates and recent news on vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from reliable and credible sources like the WHO, CDC, and DOH.
"With the emergence of the new Delta strain, known to even attack our pediatric age group, it is prudent that our expectant mothers be fully vaccinated prior to delivery, with hopes that her antibodies can offer protection both for herself and her newborn," said OB-GYN Dr. Godofredo Linco.On the day of your jab
1. Eat a full meal before leaving the house since there might be a long queue at the vaccination site.
2. Wear comfortable and loose clothing, where there is easy access to the sleeves or arm area.
3. Don’t forget to bring your mask, face shield, alcohol, and all necessary documents like IDs and your vaccination card if it’s your second dose.
4. When you get there, ask if there is a special lane for pregnant women.
5. Relax, the jab won’t hurt.
6. After being injected with the vaccine, you will be asked to stay for a while to observe if there are any adverse side effects. Don’t hesitate to inform the assigned personnel if you are experiencing something unusual.
After the jab
1. Rest. Stay at home for the next 24 hours.
2. Continue observing for any possible allergic reactions or side effects like flu-like symptoms.
3. Make Paracetamol readily available. This is generally safe to take during pregnancy.
4. After your first dose, or even if you have been fully vaccinated, do not let your guard down. Vaccination does not guarantee full protection against COVID-19.
5. Be a vaccine advocate to your fellow pregnant mamas by sharing your experience.
Here are some more information from the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inc. (PIDSOC):
This article does not provide medical advice, it is intended for informational purposes only. The article is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine? Share your experience with us, mama!
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