Brazil states stops vaccination of pregnant women

On May 11, 2021

Brazilian states has stopped the vaccination of pregnant women after a death in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.

According to state Health Secretary, Alexandre Chieppe said, a pregnant woman in Rio de Janeiro died after receiving the AstraZeneca shot and authorities are still investigating.

The health regulator, Anvisa warned against the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for expecting mothers.

Sao Paulo state suspended COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women with risk factors and Rio state suspended immunization of all pregnant women.

AstraZeneca said in a statement that pregnant women and those breastfeeding were excluded from clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Studies in animals did not produce direct or indirect evidence of harm regarding pregnancy or fetal development.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is produced and distributed in Brazil via a partnership with public health institute Fiocruz.

Kamila/Reuters