PPPA Minister Asks Pregnant And Breastfeeding Mothers Not To Hesitate To Participate In COVID-19 Vaccination
JAKARTA - Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, said pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not hesitate to undergo COVID-19 vaccination, because there is already a circular letter from the Ministry of Health regarding this.
"The issuance of this circular provides certainty for the implementation of protection for pregnant women from the threat of COVID-19, especially in areas with high transmission cases", said Bintang, quoting Antara, Wednesday, August 11.
Previously, the Ministry of Health stated that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for mothers who are breastfeeding. The COVID-19 Task Force advises mothers who are breastfeeding to consult a doctor or health worker to ensure they are fit for vaccination.
In addition, the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health has issued a circular regarding COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and adjustments to screening in the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination.
"The National Immunization Expert Advisory Committee (ITAGI) has recommended the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women", said Bintang.
The COVID-19 vaccination is prioritized for pregnant women who are in areas with a high risk of Coronavirus transmission. In addition, vaccination is recommended to be given to pregnant women because they are a group at risk for COVID-19, and infection with the Coronavirus can cause pregnant women to experience symptoms of severe illness and death.
According to a circular from the Ministry of Health, COVID-19 vaccines that can be used for pregnant women are mRNA platform vaccines, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the inactivated platform vaccine from Sinovac.
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For information, screening examinations before injecting the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women must be carried out in more detail and thoroughly.
According to regulations, the COVID-19 vaccine can only be given to pregnant women who are 13 weeks pregnant. The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be given in the second trimester of pregnancy.