UAE doctors are advising women who are planning pregnancy to not take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Nusarat Tadkod said the vaccine is not yet considered safe for them, even for lactating mothers.

Tadkod, who is attached to Prime Medical Center at the Barsha Heights branch, was quoted in a report by Khaleej Times in saying that lactating mothers should continue lactating their babies. They may get vaccinated after six months.

Women who are planning to get vaccinated should avoid pregnancy for the next three months.

Dr. Usha Kiran, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist with Prime Hospital, also advised to avoid planning a family for three to six months.

The vaccine, Kiran added, is relatively new and there’s no data yet on its effect to pregnant women and to lactating mothers.

Pregnant women are still recommended to continue following safety measures, including wearing of face masks, hand washing, and avoiding crowded places.

WHAT OTHER EXPERTS SAY

Dr. Elizabeth Mathew and Dr. Jamalunnisa Gaffar, who are attached to Medeor Hospital in Dubai, said there are no risks associated with giving non-live vaccines, such as Pfizer and BioNTech, during pregnancy.

However, they cannot recommend the routine use of this vaccine during pregnancy since the data available is insufficient.

Tests, on the other hand, are being done to learn more about the safety of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and lactating mothers from animal studies. (ES)