Panchkula begins vaccination of pregnant women

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 12

Following the Centre’s nod given on July 2, a vaccination drive for pregnant women was kicked off in Panchkula at Civil Hospital in Sector 6 today, a first in the tricity. Both Chandigarh and Mohali may launch the drive in next few days, officials concerned said.

Dr Veena Singh, Director-General, Health Services, kicked off the campaign. At least 11 expectant mothers got jabbed on day 1.

As per the guidelines, pregnant women should be provided all information about the risks of Covid-19 infection in pregnancy and the benefits of vaccination along with the likely side effects before inoculation.

Even though the district went ahead with the launch today, it is yet to complete training sessions of all ASHA and ANM workers who can further counsel pregnant women about the vaccine.

Dr Meenu Sasan, District Immunisation Officer, said they decided to launch it from Civil Hospital in Sector 6 as the facility haf trained staff, including counsellors.

“We are still in the phase of training the staff for counselling of pregnant women. Those who have got the training can counsel the pregnant women who come for antenatal check-ups at health centres,” she said.

Hesitancy another challenge

For the Health Department, convincing pregnant women to get vaccinated is another challenge, especially in villages and rural areas where husbands and in-laws mainly make decisions for them.

“One of the main concerns among pregnant women remains that the vaccine will affect the baby. Though it definitely won’t be easy for us, we are hopeful. As vaccine hesitancy among other groups has gone away, we expect the same in case of pregnant women,’’ said Dr Meenu, adding that they would also ask their staffers to do their bit to increase awareness.

On increasing vaccination centres for pregnant women, she said they would first focus on the completion of training sessions.

The CMO, Dr Mukta Kumar, said a pregnant woman who opted for vaccination could get jabbed at any stage of pregnancy.

“The gap between the two doses (depending upon which vaccine they will be administered) will be the same as for other groups,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Veena Singh said: “Covid infection can cause women pregnancy-related complications. Vaccination will provide them protection.”

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.