A FOUR-MONTH pregnant mother is feeling a sense of relief with the firm assurance from medical personnel that she will be able to pass immunity to her baby after getting her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Asilika Maria said she was excited with the promising news of vaccination and protection for pregnant women like her and their unborn babies from adverse outcomes of the killer virus.
“I was concerned about the health of my baby in my womb,” she said. “The doctors had advised me that if I get vaccinated against COVID-19, I would be able to pass immunity to my baby.
“I believe it’s a win-win situation for me as an individual to be protected from contracting serious illness due to COVID-19, hospitalisation or death, and at the same time I am confident that my baby will be protected as well when baby is born.” The 30-year-old mother of four said she was overjoyed after being given her first dose and looked forward to delivering a healthy baby. “I am into my second trimester and before the end of the month I will be fully vaccinated.
“I am confident of giving birth to a healthy baby. “I want to thank the Government for assisting pregnant Fijian women by sourcing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine because we fall under the most vulnerable group, along with the elderly.”
She confirmed suffering from side effects for a few days after receiving her first shot.
“I had fever, headache and injection site pain for a few days, however, I am feeling energised.
“I am very happy and urge all pregnant Fijian women to get vaccinated at the earliest so that both baby and mother are protected from the novel coronavirus pandemic.”
Ms Maria confirmed receiving her first jab at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka in July and was eagerly awaiting full vaccination status with her second dose due on August 19.
