Vaccination against COVID-19 has been a crucial step in controlling the global pandemic. However, for lactating mothers, concerns about the safety and impact of vaccines—especially Covishield—have raised many questions. Can lactating mothers take Covishield vaccine? This is an important question not only for maternal health but also for the well-being of their babies. In this article, we explore the safety, benefits, possible risks, and scientific recommendations regarding Covishield administration during breastfeeding.
Understanding Covishield Vaccine
Covishield is the Indian-manufactured version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India. It is a viral vector vaccine, which uses a modified adenovirus to deliver genetic material that prompts the body to build immunity against the coronavirus.
Covishield is widely used in India and several other countries due to its effectiveness, ease of storage, and cost-efficiency. However, as with any vaccine, its use in specific populations like pregnant or lactating women has been a subject of detailed study and regulation.
Initial Guidelines for Lactating Mothers
When COVID-19 vaccination programs began globally in late 2020 and early 2021, lactating women were initially excluded from clinical trials. This led to uncertainty about whether vaccines like Covishield were safe for breastfeeding mothers. Due to the lack of clinical data, health authorities were cautious and did not initially recommend vaccines for this group.
However, as more post-vaccination data became available, public health organizations and expert bodies began reviewing real-world outcomes and scientific research to determine safety.
Government and WHO Recommendations
Government of India
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, updated its guidelines in May 2021 to state that:
“Lactating women are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, including Covishield. There is no requirement to stop breastfeeding before or after receiving the vaccine.“
This decision came after evaluating available evidence and in line with global practices.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO has also affirmed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for lactating women. The organization emphasized that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any theoretical risks and that there is no need to discontinue breastfeeding post-vaccination.
Scientific Evidence and Safety
As real-world data emerged, studies began to focus on the effects of vaccines on breast milk and lactation. Several findings have helped support the safety of Covishield for nursing mothers:
1. No Harm to Infants
- Clinical observations and studies found no evidence of harm to breastfed infants when mothers received COVID-19 vaccines.
- No adverse effects or developmental delays were noted in babies exposed to breast milk post-vaccination.
2. Passive Immunity for Infants
- Research has shown that vaccinated lactating women may pass on COVID-19 antibodies to their infants through breast milk.
- This provides a layer of passive immunity to the baby, offering some protection against the virus.
3. No Effect on Milk Production
- Studies found no negative impact on milk supply after vaccination.
- Lactating women reported no changes in milk volume or consistency post-Covishield.
Benefits of Vaccination for Lactating Mothers
1. Protection for the Mother
Lactating mothers, like others, are vulnerable to COVID-19. Getting vaccinated reduces the chances of severe infection, hospitalization, and complications.
2. Protection for the Family
Vaccination reduces the risk of spreading the virus to close family members, including infants, who are more vulnerable due to immature immune systems.
3. Reduced Anxiety
Vaccination provides peace of mind and reduces the fear of transmitting the virus to the baby. Many mothers reported lower stress levels post-vaccination.
Possible Side Effects and Management
Like any vaccine, Covishield can cause mild and temporary side effects. These are generally not harmful and are signs that the body is building immunity.
Common Side Effects:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle or joint aches
These side effects typically resolve within 24–48 hours. Lactating mothers are advised to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and take paracetamol if needed after consulting a doctor.
Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: Breastfeeding must be stopped after vaccination.
Fact: No, breastfeeding should continue as normal. Vaccination does not affect breast milk or its quality.
Myth 2: The vaccine can harm the baby through milk.
Fact: There’s no live virus in Covishield, so it cannot infect the baby. Instead, protective antibodies may be passed on.
Myth 3: Vaccination causes infertility or long-term health issues.
Fact: These claims have been scientifically debunked. Covishield does not affect reproductive health or long-term immunity in any negative way.
Precautions and Tips for Lactating Mothers
- Consult a doctor before vaccination if you have a history of severe allergies or autoimmune conditions.
- Avoid vaccination if you have a fever or active COVID-19 infection. Wait until full recovery.
- Keep a vaccination card and record the date of the next dose.
- Monitor for any unexpected symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider.
Real-Life Testimonials
Many lactating mothers in India and around the world have safely received the Covishield vaccine:
“I was hesitant at first, but after talking to my doctor, I got my first dose. I didn’t feel any major side effects, and my baby was absolutely fine.” – Radhika, Mumbai
“After vaccination, I felt more secure about caring for my newborn during the pandemic. I encourage other mothers not to fear it.” – Ananya, Delhi
These experiences have helped build confidence among other mothers and families.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Can lactating mothers take Covishield vaccine?—Yes, they can and should. Health authorities, scientific evidence, and real-world experiences all point toward the safety and benefits of vaccinating lactating women. Not only does it protect the mother, but it may also offer indirect protection to the baby through antibodies in breast milk.
In the fight against COVID-19, vaccination is a powerful tool. For breastfeeding mothers, taking the Covishield vaccine is a safe, effective, and responsible choice for their health and their baby’s future.
