Pregnant and lactating Canadians assessing the risk of COVID-19 vaccination

The initial dose of the Toronto-COVID-19 vaccine is distributed nationwide, so pregnant or lactating individuals should weigh their individual risks when receiving injections.

Currently, there are no data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, so the National Advisory Board on Immunization (NACI) states that the vaccine should not be provided to pregnant or lactating individuals on a regular basis. I am.However, NACI Public Health Agency of CanadaIf the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks of the individual and “informed consent contains a discussion of insufficient evidence of this population,” people in that group could be attacked. It states.

Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in Canada, have been excluded from clinical trials in these groups, causing the vaccine to harm pregnant or lactating people. I don’t have definitive evidence as to whether or not it affects.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch believes on CTVNews.ca that women need to make their own decisions based on their individual circumstances and the latest information available, despite the lack of data. Said.

“We know that pregnant women may be at risk of more serious illness and more serious outcomes with COVID-19. Based on that, we know that women can do it themselves. I think we can be able to make informed decisions, “Bogoch said.

“A subtle discussion with an individual healthcare provider may reveal whether the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, and it will be acceptable,” he said.

The UK is currently excluding pregnant and lactating women from vaccination due to the lack of available data. The general advice in the United States is that individuals need to make their own informed decisions based on potential risk factors.

“Pregnant patients who refuse vaccination should be supported in their decision. Regardless of the decision to vaccinate, these conversations remind patients of the importance of other precautions. We will provide you with the opportunity to let. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists..

Canadian doctors are the same as US doctors when considering whether pregnant or lactating women should be vaccinated.

“Pregnant and lactating individuals who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine because of exposure risk, medical condition, or other circumstances are informed by accessing the latest safety information. We encourage you to make a decision. Information on the efficacy of the vaccine (including clear information about data not yet available) and their risk of COVID-19 infection. ” Canadian Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association..

According to Bogoch, Canadians need to consider their current health status and the individual risk of exposure to the virus before deciding whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I want to allow people to make their own decisions about their bodies after a subtle discussion of what we know and what we don’t know about these vaccines. “He said.

Pregnant women have historically been excluded from clinical trials of vaccines due to potential complications and ethical concerns that must be considered, such as possible harm to the fetus and harm to milk production. I did.

“There are many vaccines that pregnant women receive, but some do not. But I think the real question is whether they are included in clinical trials. And the answer is no. “Bogoch said.

“This is a problem, but we are actually getting the data because it is so important to enroll pregnant and breastfeeding women in clinical trials.”

Bogoch expects more data available to pregnant and lactating women in the coming weeks for individuals around the world who may become pregnant after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.