KUALA LUMPUR – Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to put off taking the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to avoid any side effect.
Universiti Putra Malaysia medical microbiology lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Niazlin Mohd Taib said this is because there is currently no clinical evidence to support the use of the vaccine among the group.
“Pregnant mothers should not take a live virus vaccine, but the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine that does not use the live virus.
“Although there should be no problem for pregnant and breastfeeding women to be immunised with an mRNA jab, there is no clear data (on the use of the vaccine during pregnancy), even from Pfizer itself... It would be better to wait.”
On allergic reactions that may arise due to the vaccination, Dr Niazlin said besides mRNA as its main active ingredient, the Pfizer-BioNTech shot also contains a variety of inactive chemicals, including polyethene glycol (PEG), which is likely to cause allergies.
“PEG is commonly used in food preservatives and sometimes in skincare products.
“What is important is that you must inform health officers about your known allergies before getting the shot.”
For those who have perennial allergies, Dr Niazlin said it is important to take all precautionary measures prior to getting the Covid-19 vaccine, adding that medical personnel are always ready to attend to any emergency.
She said those with a history of a severe allergic reaction to vaccines are not encouraged to take the shot, adding that people with very low immunity, including those on chemotherapy, will also be excluded. – Bernama, February 22, 2021
