Vaccinations for Pregnant Women Begin on the 18th... "All Pregnant Women Eligible for Vaccination, Antibody Transfer Possible Through Breastfeeding"

On the afternoon of the 1st, citizens are waiting for monitoring of adverse reactions after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at the Songpa-gu Vaccination Center installed in the Songpa-gu Sports and Culture Center in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women is set to begin on the 18th, health authorities have reaffirmed that there are no special risks associated with vaccination for pregnant women.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), stated at a special COVID-19 response briefing held on the afternoon of the 4th, "Pregnant women are recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as the necessity and benefits of vaccination are considered high." Pregnant women can make advance reservations for vaccination starting from the 8th, and vaccinations will begin on the 18th.

Although pregnant women are classified as a high-risk group with a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection, they were initially excluded from vaccination targets due to unconfirmed safety of vaccination during pregnancy. According to research from the United States, pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 had a threefold higher risk of ICU admission compared to non-pregnant women of childbearing age, and the risks of mechanical ventilation use and mortality were 2.9 times and 1.7 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, a study involving 18 countries including the US and the UK found that compared to uninfected pregnant women, those diagnosed with COVID-19 had increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight by 59% and 58%, respectively, negatively impacting pregnancy outcomes. Notably, 13% of newborns born to COVID-19 positive pregnant women also tested positive for COVID-19.

Accordingly, the response team emphasized the necessity of vaccination, stating, "COVID-19 vaccination is safe for pregnant women, significantly reduces the risk of infection and severe illness if infected, and thus countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada recommend vaccination for pregnant women." Additionally, survey results from countries like the US and Israel, which have already implemented vaccination for pregnant women, show that the incidence of adverse reactions is similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women, with no differences in rates of preterm birth, miscarriage, or birth defects based on vaccination status.

Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, is speaking at a special COVID-19 briefing held at the Disease Control and Prevention Agency in Cheongju, Chungbuk, on the afternoon of the 4th.
From the left, Song Jun-young, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Korea University College of Medicine; Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner; and Jogeum-jun, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Korea University Guro Hospital.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts attending the briefing also emphasized the necessity of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women. Professor Jogeum Jun from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Korea University Guro Hospital stated, "The vaccine is safe and effective at all stages of pregnancy," adding, "Research from the US and other countries showed no difference in adverse reactions."

Professor Jo recommended, "For those within 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is advised to receive thorough guidance considering the condition of the pregnant woman and fetus before vaccination." He explained, "According to recommendations from various countries, vaccination is possible regardless of gestational age," and clarified, "Being within 12 weeks does not mean vaccination is not allowed." However, he noted, "There is often excessive concern due to the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy, and it is important to check the baby's condition," advising, "Consultation with a doctor before vaccination is necessary."

He also stated that there are no cases where vaccination is impossible solely because of pregnancy. Professor Jo emphasized, "There are no pregnant women who cannot be vaccinated," and added, "Those who are contraindicated for COVID-19 vaccination regardless of pregnancy status are excluded from vaccination," highlighting that except for such cases, vaccination is possible for all.

In particular, even in cases of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or hepatitis B, "vaccination is possible," and he mentioned, "Countries like the UK and Japan recommend vaccination for pregnant women with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or immunosuppression." He explained the reason, saying, "Pregnant women with underlying conditions have a higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19."

Experts also firmly denied claims that vaccination could infect the pregnant woman or fetus with COVID-19, or that messenger RNA (mRNA) from the vaccine could be transmitted to the newborn through breastfeeding. Professor Song Jun-young from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University College of Medicine said, "The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use are not live vaccines," adding, "Infection caused by the vaccine does not occur." Live vaccines use weakened live strains of bacteria or viruses, which can pose a risk of infection in immunocompromised individuals, but the vaccines currently used are not live vaccines.

Professor Song also stated, "mRNA is broken down and does not pass through breast milk; rather, antibodies are transferred to the fetus, providing immunity against the COVID-19 virus."