New recommendations for coronavirus vaccinations – pregnant women may take a coronavirus vaccine if they wish
The Finnish Institute for Health and welfare (THL) says that those who are pregnant may be vaccinated against coronavirus if they wish. A second dose of a coronavirus vaccine can be taken during pregnancy also if the first dose was administered before the pregnancy. In addition, there is no need to postpone fertility treatments because of coronavirus vaccinations.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of contracting serious coronavirus disease. So far, there is little researched information on vaccinating those who are pregnant against coronavirus, but experience, animal tests, and initial research data have not shown any cause for safety concerns. Many expectant mothers have been vaccinated around the world.
“Those who are pregnant should especially consider being vaccinated if they have an underlying condition that puts them at an elevated risk of contracting serious coronavirus disease. Vaccinations should also be considered in cases in which the expectant mother is at a higher risk of being infected by the coronavirus at work, for example”, says Emma Kajander, Medical Specialist at THL.
Someone who is pregnant can be vaccinated against coronavirus at their own allocated time in accordance with the order set for vaccines.
Coronavirus vaccines may be taken together with other vaccines
The precautionary interval of 7–14 days between the coronavirus vaccine and other vaccines is being lifted. This means that all coronavirus vaccines used in Finland can be taken at the same time as other vaccines in accordance with normal vaccine guidelines. For instance, the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine, or the tetanus vaccine can be taken without a precautionary interval.
“Hundreds of millions of coronavirus vaccines have been administered, and plenty of experiences from their use have been amassed. On this basis we have noted that a precautionary interval is no longer necessary”, Kajander says.
More information
Emma Kajander
THL
Medical Specialist
[email protected]
