20 March 2022, Port Vila
Pregnant women urged to get the COVID-19 vaccine now
The Ministry of Health is urging all pregnant women to get their COVID-19 vaccine now.
Acting Director of Curative & Hospital Services, Dr. Sereana Natuman said, “COVID-19
vaccines offer pregnant women strong protection against severe illness from COVID-19. I urge
everyone, especially pregnant women, to get their vaccine soon so that they can take
advantage of this crucial protection.”
Increasing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy suggests that the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy outweigh potential risks when there is ongoing community transmission of the virus. It is especially important now as Vanuatu has high community transmission.
“Vaccines continue to be the best way expectant mothers can protect themselves and their babies,” Dr. Natuman stated. “If you have not already been vaccinated, you should feel confident to go and a COVID-19 vaccine now”.
COVID-19 during pregnancy puts women at higher risk of becoming severely ill and of giving birth to preterm babies. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect a pregnant woman from serious illness and protecting their babies.
In Vanuatu, vaccination sites that are currently operational and where pregnant women could go for a vaccine.
In Shefa province vaccination sites include Imere Health Centre and Saupia Health Centre at North Efate, in addition to the National Convention Centre. Three private healthcare providers in Port Vila, Efate island, are currently providing COVID-19 vaccines. These include Novomedical, Vila Private Hospital, and Medipole. There will be a charge when receiving a vaccination at a private healthcare provider.
It is vital that pregnant women get their COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so already. Get the COVID-19 vaccine now and a booster dose five months after completing your first vaccination course. COVID-19 vaccines provide very good protection, especially against severe disease. A booster dose will make sure the protection of the vaccine is even stronger and longer lasting. A booster shot increases your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination protects against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Continue COVID-19 preventative measures including washing hands, practicing respiratory hygiene, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Stay at home if sick and wear a mask going out or in public places.
Updates on the COVID-19 situation will be provided through official sources. For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website: www.covid19.gov.vu, follow the Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook Page, or call the free 119 information hotline.
Contact details: Dorinda Bule, Communications Officer, Department of Public Health, Tel: +678 563 6472