Kyriakidou: Pregnant women should be vaccinated to protect their babies

The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakidou, appealed for the vaccination of pregnant women, emphasizing that in this way both their babies and themselves will be protected.

Speaking to a limited number of correspondents in Brussels, including APE-MPE, Ms. Kyriakidou noted that "vaccines are effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths in pregnant women. "The message we have to convey to expectant mothers is that vaccines protect mothers and their babies." At the same time, with regard to compulsory vaccination, the European Commissioner pointed out that such a discussion makes sense, but it is not Brussels that will tell the Member States to compel vaccination. "Member States are in the best position to decide what is best for them based on their situation." In addition, he said that the discussion about a possible fourth dose of the vaccine continues, while emphasizing the importance of the boosting dose.

"We are seeing a situation now with a very high transmissibility of the Omicron mutation, and this is serious for our health systems. Omicron can mean a mild or severe infection for the person, but in no case should it be considered a mild variant. "It is still a dangerous virus," said Stella Kyriakidou.

He also referred to the fact that there is an increase in hospitalizations for example in the United States as well as in countries in Europe with an increasing number of younger patients and especially children being treated.

"We know vaccines continue to provide good levels of protection against serious illness and hospitalization. "Vaccination and boosting doses continue to be the key message."

Regarding the development of the pandemic, the Health Commissioner said that she will not make predictions about whether this is the last wave.

"What we do know is that the vaccines did not fail. They protect and save lives. "We know that vaccination does not completely prevent infection and transmission, but overall reduces the chances of infection and further transmission."

Stella Kyriakidou said that about 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, about 40% have received a booster dose, while after the approval of vaccines for children, 23% of children under 18 years of age are partially vaccinated.

"Millions of Europeans are still unvaccinated and this is one year since we have safe and effective vaccines available. "And of course, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Member States that will suffer the most are those that have lower vaccination rates," said Ms. Kyriakidou.

Finally, he noted that on Friday the French Presidency convened an informal council to discuss vaccination strategies and the possible need for additional booster doses.

Source: RES-EAP