An important announcement.
THE
SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS (SASOG) CALLS ON
PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN TO VACCINATE
The
South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists marks National
Women’s Day 2021 by encouraging all women to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to
protect themselves against severe disease.
This includes women who are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding. In the case of pregnant women, SASOG recommends
taking the vaccine after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Studies
show that the risk for critical illness is higher for pregnant than
non-pregnant women, particularly in the 3rd trimester. It has been found that, while most women will
have no COVID-19 symptoms in pregnancy, pregnant
women who experience COVID-19 symptoms have a higher risk of being admitted to
ICU, needing mechanical ventilation and dying, than non-pregnant women of the
same age. Taking the vaccine also means a potential
reduction in the risk of Pulmonary TB associated with Covid-19 and a reduction
in the risk of passing on the virus to vulnerable members of the household.
While
there is a lack of information on pregnancies during vaccine trials, there is
mounting evidence that taking the vaccine during pregnancy is safe for both
mother and fetus and that the vaccine provides protection of the newborn from
Covid-19.
SASOG
also recommends that women who are planning to become pregnant or undergo
fertility treatment should become vaccinated and need not delay conception.
“If
you are uncertain about which vaccine you should take or the risks that the
vaccine poses to you or your baby, we strongly advise that you consult your
doctor or clinic who will be able to provide you with the most up to date and
reliable information to assist you in making your decision”, concludes Dr
Haynes van der Merwe, SASOG President.
