Monash Obstetrics would like to thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we have navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has brought about many changes in the way we do things. We thank you for your cooperation in following these measures below.
The below is based on the current (as of 19/8/21) recommendations handed down by ATAGI and RANZCOG and the DHHS.
We now know that pregnant women are at higher risk of some complications during pregnancy including:
If you: are in your third trimester, are older than 35, have a BMI>30, have pre-pregnancy high blood pressure or pre-pregnancy diabetes, you are at higher risk of severe illness.
There is no increased risk of maternal death or neonatal death.
Vaccination is currently the best way to reduce these risks. Thus far, all available evidence shows that the Pfizer vaccination is safe in pregnancy. This data is still being collected.
It is recommended that pregnant women have two doses of Pfizer vaccination 3-6 weeks apart before, during or after their pregnancy, whichever is earlier.Any Covid-19 vaccination should be separated from other vaccinations (like whooping cough or influenza) by at least 7 days.
Pfizer and Moderna are both suitable for pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant can take either Pfizer, Moderna or Astra Zeneca, but currently, Pfizer is preferred.
Pregnant women who have already received a first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can receive either Pfizer or COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for their second dose, although Pfizer is preferred, as more data is available about its safety in pregnancy.There is evidence showing trans-placental passage of protective antibodies from the mother to the baby after vaccination. However, it has not yet been proven whether this elicits an adequate immune response in the neonate.
Currently we do not know if there is an optimal time to have a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended by RANZCOG, ATAGI and the DHHS to have your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are offered one. The Pfizer vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy, but this should be discussed with your doctor.
Monash Obstetrics
Ph: 1300 121 000
15 Murray Street, Clayton, Victoria 3168