Pregnant women vaccinated against COVID-19

Pregnant women vaccinated against COVID-19

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Pregnant women in India are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Union Health Ministry giving the approval based on recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI)

Concept:

• Infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of health of pregnant women and they are at an increased risk of severe diseases and it might affect the foetus too
• pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk for preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including higher chances of neonatal morbidity

About National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI)

• Establishment: It was established by an order of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2001.
• As India’s apex advisory body on immunization, the NTAGI provides guidance and advice to the MoHFW on provision of vaccination and immunization services for the effective control of vaccine preventable diseases in the country.
• NTAGI of India fulfils a need for informing decision-making concerning the introduction of new vaccines and strengthening the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
• The role and membership of NTAGI have expanded over the years in tune with the emerging needs and priorities of the Government of India.
• The NTAGI includes a Standing Technical Sub-Committee (STSC).
• The STSC is tasked with undertaking technical review of scientific evidence on matters related to immunization policy and programmes.
• The overall objective of the NTAGI is to provide advice to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the strategies to control the burdenand appropriately evaluate the impact of immunization on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) in the country.
• The NTAGI shall evaluate licensed vaccines as well as prioritize other related interventions such as associated immune globulins and chemo-prophylactic agents and new technologiesfor delivery, logistics, disease prevention and monitoring of VPD prevalence, vaccination programme and other adjuncts to VPD control’.