Pregnant women get conflicting messages about COVID-19 vaccine

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Thu, December 7, 2023 | 16:13

Health & Science

Pregnant women get conflicting messages about COVID-19 vaccine

Posted : 2021-10-11 08:39

Updated : 2021-10-11 18:24

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By Lee Hyo-jin

Pregnant women are uncertain whether or not to get COVID-19 vaccinations, as some doctors have been giving advice that contradicts the government's message as well as insisting that the vaccination of mothers-to-be should undergo more extensive review.

The government has recommended that pregnant women get inoculated, saying that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks. Beginning Oct. 18, they will be administered with an mRNA vaccine ― Moderna or Pfizer.

After the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) began to receive reservations starting from 8 p.m. on Saturday, some 990 eligible recipients made vaccine appointments during the first four hours.

According to the KDCA, a total of 731 pregnant women have been infected with the virus in the country as of August, among whom about 2 percent have developed serious illnesses, more than six times that of women aged between 20 and 45.

"U.S. studies show that infected pregnant women have had three times higher risk of hospitalization, 2.9 times higher risk of treatment using a ventilator, and 1.7 times higher fatality rates, than other women," said KDCA commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong at a briefing, Oct. 4.

Given such data, the health authorities have categorized pregnant women as a high-risk group for COVID-19.

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The KDCA also said that the COVID-19 infection of pregnant women poses bigger risks of premature deliveries and babies with low birth weights.

On the other hand, Korea's Medical Association to Ensure Safety of COVID-19 Vaccinations, consisting of 150 doctors, called on the government to cancel its vaccination plans for pregnant women and children aged between 12 and 17.

People are being observed for possible side effects after receiving a coronavirus vaccine at a vaccination center in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Oct. 7. Yonhap

"The public health authorities and several medical experts giving media interviews are encouraging the vaccination of pregnant women and children, saying that the vaccine is effective in stopping infection as well as in preventing them from falling into critical condition, which are claims that lack scientific evidence," it said in a statement, Oct. 4.

This group of doctors believes that the vaccination plan for pregnant women needs a more prudent review, as women who are expecting have differentimmune responses than those of non-pregnant women, depending on the stage of pregnancy.

They also questioned the government's vaccination policy, which they say "shifts the responsibility for possible side effects only to the recipients, without providing accurate information on the vaccine's efficacy for pregnant women and children."

Conflicting advice has left soon-to-be mothers confused over whether or not they should make a reservation for vaccination. A Naver online community for mothers has been flooded with discussion on the topic.

One internet user wrote, "I have no plans to receive the vaccine. One of the most common side effects of the vaccine is high fever (over 38 degrees Celsius), which can be critical for the baby. Also, in the case of unexpected adverse effects, pregnant women cannot be treated with medication used by non-pregnant people."

Another wrote, "During pregnancy, women must avoid certain foods and medications for the safety of the baby. I don't want to risk being injected with a vaccine that has been developed in such a short period of time."

Meanwhile, another pregnant woman who claimed that she received a Pfizer vaccine through the leftover vaccine system said she did not experience any serious side effects.

"Fortunately, I'm not suffering from any side effects ― not even fever or muscle pain. But I was so nervous before getting the vaccine as I had read on the internet all the information I could find about the possible side effects of the vaccine on pregnant women."

lhj@koreatimes.co.kr