COVID-19: WHO Says Not Everyone Can Get Vaccinated

World Health Organisation has issued an advisory on set of people who are not eligible to take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Ekohotblog can report

In statement by its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) on Friday, the global health body warned that it was not safe for children under 16, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and people with a preexisting chronic health challenges to get vaccinated

WHO said pregnant women are at higher risk than non-pregnant women, and COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth.

It cited dearth of data for its advisory against vaccination of pregnant women at this time.

The statement further advised that should a pregnant woman have an unavoidable risk high of exposure to COVID-19, such as a health worker, vaccination may be considered in discussion with their healthcare provider.

“It is recommended to avoid pregnancy for 2 to 3 months post-vaccination.

“If a breastfeeding woman is part of a group (e.g. health workers) recommended for vaccination, vaccination can be offered.

“WHO does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination,” the statement said.

However, SAGE recommendation assured that the vaccine has been found safe and effective for known medical conditions such as people suffering hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.

Recall that the foreign affairs minister Geoffrey Onyeama last week said talks were underway with China for shipment of the vaccine.

The government on Thursday appealed to citizens not to reject vaccines when they finally arrive.