The Health Ministry is recommending that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers be vaccinated against Covid-19.

It says this is in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation, WHO and having regard to evidence which suggests, that pregnant women with Covid-19 are at higher risk of developing severe illness, compared to non-pregnant women of reproductive age.

Severe illness includes situations that require hospitalisation, intensive care, a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, or illness that results in death.

According to the Health Ministry, Covid-19 in pregnancy has also been associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth and of newborns requiring neo-natal intensive care.

It says pregnant women who are 35 years and older or have high body mass index or an existing comorbidity, such as diabetes or hypertension, are at particular risk of serious outcomes from Covid-19.

The Ministry notes that pregnant women who are vaccinated against Covid-19, as other members of the population, can experience common side effects, temporary and mild including fever, swelling and headache.

To help pregnant women determine if they should or should not be vaccinated, the ministry says they will be provided with information about the risks of Covid-19 in pregnancy, the likely benefits of vaccination and the current limitations of safety data by their health care provider.