Estonian Gynaecologists’ Society encourages all women planning for pregnancy, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is key to stopping the pandemic. Sufficient information has now been collected on the safety of vaccination with mRNA vaccines during pregnancy. The benefits of vaccination before and during pregnancy outweigh the risks.   

COVID-19 and pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the likelihood of needing intensive care and mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 and also increases the risk of intensive care for the newborn of a mother infected with the coronavirus.

Vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not contraindications to vaccination. Testing for pregnancy is not necessary before making a vaccination decision. If necessary, you can consult your gynaecologist or midwife. 

Side effects of vaccination

The occurrence of side effects after vaccination is due to the body's response (the production of antibodies) to the coronavirus.

People (including pregnant women) who develop a fever after vaccination are allowed to take paracetamol. Administration of anti-D immunoglobulin is permitted, if necessary.

The Estonian Gynaecologists’ Society encourages all women planning for pregnancy and expecting families to get vaccinated. If you received your second vaccine dose at least six months ago, it is recommended to get a third dose. Vaccination is also necessary if you have contracted and recovered from COVID-19. Healthcare professionals will advise you on the appropriate period.

Even if you have been vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask indoors, maintain social distance and wash your hands thoroughly. For further information visit: https://www.vaktsineeri.ee/et/covid19.

 

There are currently two mRNA-based coronavirus vaccines with marketing authorisation in Europe:

•    Pfizer-BioNtech mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2)

•    Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine