Localities urged steps up COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women
VGP – The Ministry of Health has urged local authorities to step up COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women at over 13 weeks of pregnancy.
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This image shows a pregnant woman getting vaccinated against COVID-19 at Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam |
Pregnant women from over 13 weeks of gestation must undergo careful screening before vaccination, while those under 13 weeks are subject to inoculation postponement, according to the ministry's guidance.
Studies conducted all over the world showed that pregnant women face the same risk of being infected with COVID-19 like others, according Dr. Tran Danh Cuong, Director of the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Tran, however, said pregnant women who contract the virus are more likely to have a severe infection because, during pregnancy, their immune system can be weakened.
As pregnancy progresses, fluid may accumulate in tissues, usually in the feet, ankles, and legs, causing them to swell and appear puffy. This condition is called edema. The edema is also seen in the upper respiratory tract mucosa, which easily causes damage to the upper respiratory tract. If infected with COVID-19, the pregnant women are more at risk.
Underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, chronic lung disease will also cause complications during pregnancy.
He called on pregnant women to take COVID-19 vaccines when they are available to them./.
By Hoang Ha
