The Government on Friday said that at least 2.27 lakh pregnant women have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine under the ongoing national vaccination drive even as it asked the States to start inoculating vulnerable and marginalised groups like beggars and nomads which can be potential spreaders of infection as well as its victim.
"Pregnant women were brought into the ambit of national vaccination drive from July 2. Tamil Nadu topped the list in leading the way by vaccinating over 78,838 pregnant women, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 34,228, Odisha with 29,821, Madhya Pradesh with 21,842, Kerala with 18,423 and Karnataka with 16,673 pregnant women vaccinated," said an official from the Union Health Ministry.
“This can be seen as a result of regular counseling of pregnant women by health workers and medical officers about risks of Covid-19 infection to pregnant women and benefits of vaccination. This sustained campaign has empowered pregnant women to make an informed choice on taking the Covid jab,” he said.
Studies have shown that Covid-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of health of pregnant women, escalating the increased risk of severe disease and it might affect the fetus too, the official pointed out.
In the meantime, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Friday shot off a letter to the States to start vaccinating Covid jabs to beggars, nomads and people living in rehabilitation camps.
