THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department will register all pregnant women for vaccination at the ward level under the leadership of Asha activists as part of the 'Mathrukavacham' project to provide Covid vaccine to all pregnant women in the state. Those who can register on their own will be encouraged to do so. Those without facilities like smart phones and computers will be registered with the help of Asha activists. Minister Veena George said health workers would ensure that all pregnant women in each sub-center area were registered and vaccinated.

Special vaccination camps for pregnant women will be conducted at district level on special days. Arrangements will be made at the vaccination centres to avoid contact with others who come for vaccination.

In the event of Covid infection, it can seriously affect the health of pregnant women. The disease can be serious in people over the age of 35, obese people, and people with diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also affect the health of the fetus. Therefore, vaccination during pregnancy is a very important preventive measure. Pregnant women can receive any Covid vaccine currently being offered in the country.

The vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy. It is safer to take two doses of the vaccine during pregnancy and as early as possible. If a person is diagnosed with Covid during pregnancy, the vaccine can only be given after childbirth. However, the vaccine should not be given until three months after the onset of the disease. The minister said that even after receiving the vaccine, one should continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance and wash hands frequently with soap and water.