Pregnant Women Should Get Vaccinated, Says Expert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lecturer at the Health Polytechnic of The Ministry of Health (Poltekkes Kemenkes) Malang, Campus IV of the Kediri Midwifery Study Program, Susanti Pratamaningtyas, said that it is important to vaccinate pregnant women with the Covid-19 vaccine. She explained that pregnancy was categorized as a comorbid when exposed to COVID-19.

"Pregnant women's immune system is prone to decline. With the vaccine, it can help the formation of the immune system for pregnant women," he said.

In addition, the Ministry of Health has allowed pregnant women to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. This is stated in the SE of the Ministry of Health Number HK.02.01/I/2007/2021. Therefore, she said, pregnant women do not need to worry and are even encouraged to participate in vaccinations.

The Head of the Kediri Campus IV Midwifery Study Program also added that currently cases of death due to COVID-19 in pregnant women need to be watched out for. That way, it is hoped that the death of pregnant women can be suppressed. "The hope is that it can reduce the mortality rate of pregnant women due to COVID-19," she said.

Regarding post-immunization follow-up events (KIPI), Susanti thinks that the policies issued by the Ministry of Health must have taken many things into account.

"I think it's safe, especially for the Sinovac vaccine, it can be accepted by pregnant women and the KIPI is not too severe. In addition, my advice is to increase the consumption of nutritious food for pregnant women to maintain good stamina even after getting vaccinated," she said.

However, she reminds people who have been vaccinated to remain careful and apply strict health protocols by always wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and keeping a distance.

Read: Govt to Usher Vaccination Program for Pregnant Women

EKO ARI WIBOWO | MAUDEY K. SETYAKUSUMA