KUALA LUMPUR – Female frontliners who are pregnant or breastfeeding will be considered for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine only if the benefits outweigh the risks, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
In a Facebook post, he said there is insufficient data from the vaccine’s clinical trials to show that it is safe for pregnant women.
As such, he added, it is best to wait until after giving birth before expecting mothers opt for the immunisation programme.
“However, if the benefits outweigh potential vaccine risks against the risk of severe Covid-19 during pregnancy, then pregnant or breastfeeding frontliners will be considered and given the option (to take the shot).”
Under Phase 1 of the nation’s vaccine roll-out plan, frontliners will be getting the Pfizer jab, which is the first to arrive in the country after getting a nod from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.
However, clinical trials have yet to be conducted on children and pregnant women.
It was reported that Pfizer is starting to dose pregnant women only between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, while plans to test the vaccines on children will take place later this year.
Dr Noor Hisham’s statement today comes after Putrajaya Hospital nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah in a Facebook post slammed the government after certain VIPs – including ministers, as well as assemblymen and their officers – are allegedly included in phase 1 of the vaccination drive.
Dr Rafidah alleged that these individuals are given priority at the expense of frontline workers, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, private dentists and pharmacists, among others.
However, she did not mention the names of the VIPs who will purportedly get vaccinated first, instead saying many frontliners are too afraid to speak out.
“Do not deny the rights of women healthcare workers. If they are pregnant, breastfeeding and want vaccination, honour them.
“Don’t waste time fanning individuals with man-made positions. Put these people aside. Professionals work professionally.”
This was followed by similar complaints by frontliners in Penang.
On February 16, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that all MPs and assemblymen, regardless of political persuasion, will receive the Covid-19 vaccine in Phase 1 of the national vaccination drive.
Muhyiddin said this was agreed on by the Special Committee of Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply, seeing that MPs and reps are usually in contact with the people in the course of their work. – The Vibes, February 28, 2021
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