The Bolivian government has permitted vaccination against the novel coronavirus "COVID-19" for pregnant women following an increase in infections among this demographic. The decision was made after noting the rise in cases among pregnant women.
The minister confirmed that any directive issued by his office "will always be based on serious studies." The Ministry of Health has instructed health authorities in regions and municipalities, as well as those responsible for national health programs, to "vaccinate pregnant and breastfeeding women."
The statement indicated that these women will decide whether they wish to receive the doses or not. The instructions justify the decision with the existence of "numerous studies" showing that there is "a higher risk of complications for mothers and fetuses among pregnant women infected with COVID-19” compared to non-pregnant women.
The statement added that pregnant women "are three times more likely to require intensive care, 2.9 times more likely to need mechanical ventilation, and have a 70% higher risk of death."
Since March 2020, Bolivia has recorded a total of 17,013 deaths and 448,213 confirmed cases of the disease. So far, 755,898 people have been fully vaccinated with two doses, while 2,138,120 have received the first dose.
