The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) have urged all jurisdictions, and practitioners, to heed the advice issued by RANZCOG and ATAGI, which recommends that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) at any stage of pregnancy.
This comes following global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women reported not identifying any significant safety concerns with mRNA Covid-19 vaccines given throughout pregnancy.
A statement released by the RACGP also states that evidence also shows that there are vaccine antibodies in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity.
The RACGP also states that women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccinations or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
“We are concerned that pregnant women are having difficulty accessing vaccination,” says Dr Vijay Roach, RANZCOG President.
“The risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby.
“It’s critical that pregnant women, and their doctors, are aware of this clear advice and that barriers to pregnant women receiving the vaccine are removed.”
RACGP President Dr Karen Price says that GPs play a vital role in providing advice to pregnant women in communities across Australia.
“GPs are at the frontline of healthcare delivery for pregnant women,” says Dr Price.
“We are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and expertise and best placed to advise pregnant women.
“The data are clear – Covid-19 infection in pregnancy is high risk, and Covid-19 vaccination is very safe, and provides strong protection against the virus.”
