Covid-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirements for Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Mothers

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose. However, there are several requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters that must be met first. What are the conditions? Let's see the answer in the following discussion

It is important for every pregnant and lactating mother to get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster. This is because both of them are included in a group that is vulnerable to being infected with the Corona virus, especially if they have comorbid diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes.

The purpose of the COVID-19 vaccination and booster for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is to reduce the risk of severe symptoms and complications due to COVID-19.

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements for Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Mothers

Until now, there are several choices of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers available in Indonesia, ranging from Sinovac, Sinopharm, Astra Zeneca vaccines, to mRNA vaccines, such as Moderna and Pfizer.

Before accepting it, there are several criteria or conditions for the COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women that must be met, namely:

• Is in good he alth and has a body temperature below 37.5^{oCelsius and blood pressure below 140/100 mmHg}
• Givenment age of 13 weeks and above or between the 13th week to the 33rd week
• No signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, such as swollen feet, headache, heartburn, and blurred vision
• No history of severe allergies due to vaccines, such as shortness of breath, swelling, and hives all over the body
• Not being treated for blood clotting disorders, blood disorders, and a weakened immune system, nor are they receiving blood transfusions
• Not currently receiving immunosuppressant treatment, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy
• If you have a comorbid disease or autoimmune disease, the disease must be controlled with medication
• Not confirmed positive for COVID-19 within the last 3 months

As for breastfeeding mothers, the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination are generally the same as above. The difference is, breastfeeding mothers no longer need to meet the requirements for gestational age and signs of preeclampsia.

However, apart from knowing the requirements for the COVID-19 vaccination, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should still consult with a doctor who checks them regularly to determine whether or not they can get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Covid-19 Booster Vaccine Requirements for Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Mothers

The booster vaccine or the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is a vaccine given to increase the body's immunity against the Corona virus. Various studies have also shown that COVID-19 boosters can also restore the effectiveness of previous COVID-19 vaccines that have decreased over time.

In Indonesia, the provision of a COVID-19 booster can be carried out for the general public with the condition that they are over 18 years of age and have received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months in advance. However, the requirements for the COVID-19 booster vaccine for pregnant women are slightly different from the general public.

Based on research results, the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI) has issued a recommendation letter for giving a COVID-19 vaccine booster to pregnant women, which can be done within about 4 months after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

As for breastfeeding mothers, the conditions for giving a COVID-19 booster follow the general provisions that have been set, which is at least 6 months after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination.

As long as they meet the requirements, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers will be considered safe. Even if there are side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, they are usually mild, such as pain or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue, or headache.

To relieve the side effects that arise, pregnant women and Busui should consult a doctor to get the right treatment. If you still have questions regarding vaccinations and boosters for COVID-19, pregnant women and Busui can also consult with doctors via the chat feature on the ALODOKTER application.