The agency authorised the vaccine for anyone 16 and older, and asked Pfizer to file regular reports on the safety of the vaccine, including its use in pregnant women. The vaccine was not tested in pregnant women or in those who were breastfeeding. Some experts said the virus itself poses greater risks to pregnant women than the new vaccine, and noted that vaccines have been given to pregnant women for decades and have been overwhelmingly safe. With the first doses of the vaccine reserved for health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, the FDA’s authorisation most immediately affects the estimated 330,000 pregnant and breastfeeding health care workers in the United States. “We have a long track record of giving pregnant women vaccinations, and nearly all vaccinations are very safe,” Jamieson said.

Source: bd News24 December 12, 2020 06:33 UTC