The World Health Organization says that pregnant women should not get the Modern vaccine against coronavirus, at least for now.
“Although pregnancy puts women at greater risk for severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended,” the WHO said on Tuesday in a statement on its website.
The WHO, however, said that the Modern vaccine is still recommended for pregnant women who are “at risk of high exposure” – such as health professionals.
Kate O’Brien, WHO’s director of immunization, maintained confidence that there were no problems with the vaccine and pregnant women, but acknowledged that more data is needed, according to a Reuters report.
The WHO says that anyone who may be allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine “should not get this or any other mRNA vaccine”.
“Although vaccination is recommended for the elderly due to the high risk of severe COVID-19 and death, very fragile elderly people with a life expectancy of less than 3 months should be assessed individually,” said the WHO.
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Immunization Specialists (SAGE) recommends that the second injection of the Modern vaccine be administered in 28 days, but noted that “the interval between doses can be extended to 42 days,” according to the WHO website.
“Compliance with the full schedule is recommended and the same product should be used for both doses,” said the WHO.
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Spencer Kent can be contacted at [email protected].