Germany’s vaccine oversight body recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be vaccinated against COVID-19 with an mRNA-based shot on Friday.
The Permanent Vaccination Commission (STIKO), advises that women should receive two shots from the second trimester of pregnancy.
“In addition, STIKO expressly recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for those of child-bearing age who are not yet or incompletely vaccinated, to ensure very good protection against this disease before pregnancy.”
The European Medicines Agency said in July, that data seen so far did not suggest any safety concerns, and in August the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that pregnant women should be vaccinated.
Germany is administering two vaccines based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, one made by local startup BioNTech in partnership with Pfizer, and a second from Moderna.
Health Minister, Jens Spahn said, “Even pregnant and breastfeeding women now have a clear recommendation for vaccination.
“My urgent request to all pregnant and breastfeeding women, ask your doctor, get vaccinated. You are protecting yourself and your child.”
Germany has fully vaccinated 73% of adults, compared to 71% across the European Union as a whole, official figures show.
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