Mathru Kavacham: A Campaign By Kerala Government to Vaccinate Pregnant Women

Mathru Kavacham is a campaign to be launched by the Kerala government to vaccinate all pregnant women in Kerala against COVID-19.

As part of the campaign, all pregnant women will be registered for vaccination at the ward level by ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers.

"The health workers will ensure that all pregnant women in each sub-centre area are registered and vaccinated,” said Veena George, Kerala's Health Minister to ANI. She also said that at the district level, vaccination camps will be set up on special days for pregnant women.

Why this initiative is being launched?

Health Minister Veena George emphasised the need to get vaccinated especially during pregnancy. She said that even after getting vaccinated, women needed to wear masks and follow social distancing rules.

George said the government would ensure that proper arrangements will be made at the vaccination centres so that women can avoid contact with others who come for getting vaccines.

When can the vaccine be taken during pregnancy?

The Health Minister noted that “The vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy. It is safer to take two doses of the vaccine during pregnancy. It is best to get the vaccine as early as possible. The vaccine can be given only after delivery if the COVID is infected during pregnancy. However, the vaccine should not be given until three months if infected with COVID.”

In India, the government has approved vaccinating pregnant women against the COVID-19 infection. The Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, already gave a nod to vaccinate pregnant women as it is very important for them to guard against the virus.

Many women in different parts of the country have been sceptical about getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot. Rumours on social media have led to further confusion about pregnant women getting the vaccine. These rumours only wore off when reputed health authorities started publishing reports regarding the safety of the vaccine.

Watch This Video Below About COVID and Pregnancy

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