WHO reverses stance on pregnant women receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

After analyzing the data, independent experts said they did not recommend Moderna vaccine be used in pregnant women unless they are health professionals exposed to the virus or have medical conditions that put them at high risk. The vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, although not tested on pregnant women, have not shown any harmful effects in animal studies. And the technology used in vaccines is generally known to be safe, experts said. Less than a week after the WHO issued the alert, when more research was submitted by several medical sources, the organization removed the comment on pregnancy in the report. included pregnant women among those with priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.

“Based on what we know about this type of vaccine, we have no specific reason to believe that there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women.” The recommendation is now closely aligned with the CDC’s position.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group on Immunization Specialists, known as SAGE, said the vaccine it should be administered in two doses with an interval of 28 days, which can be extended in exceptional circumstances to 42 days.

The guidance on Moderna came several weeks after issuing its recommendations on rival Pfizer vaccine.

“The main recommendation for the use of this (Modern) vaccine is that based on the current elements, we recommend that it be administered in doses of 100 micrograms or 0.5 ml with an interval of 28 days, “said Alejandro Cravioto, chairman of the panel, at a press conference.

“This interval can be increased to 42 days, but the evidence we have does not go beyond that time,” he said.

WHO director of immunization Kate O’Brien said that Moderna’s clinical trials vaccine were needed in pregnant women.

“There is no reason to think there could be a problem with pregnancy, we are just recognizing that the data is not there at the moment,” she said.

WHO was in contact with Moderna about the data submitted as part of its WHO emergency use listing request and would make a decision soon, she said, adding, “We are doing everything with Moderna to speed up this process.”

Pfizer and Modern vaccines, both using mRNA technology, are “very similar”, except for Pfizer that requires an ultra-cold chain, which is difficult for some countries, said O’Brien.

“We recommend that you use the same vaccine for the second dose you received in the first dose, “she said.

In general, WHO does not recommend vaccination for international travelers.