Head of Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Kwame Amponsa-Achiano says the Covid-19 vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Speaking on Ultimate Health on Joyfm with Nortey Dua, Dr. Achiano said, no health worker should stop breastfeeding mothers from taking the vaccine because “the vaccine we are giving is not live. It doesn’t contain the germ in its live form.

"It has a part of it and a very harmless other germ has been fused. Theoretically, it doesn’t pose a risk for the child. It is not known whether it’s secreted in breast milk, but even if it were there, it is no risk to the child at all. So for those that are segmented within the groups, if they are breastfeeding, they should go for the vaccine,” he stated.

Dr. Kwame Achianu also addressed the issue of whether pregnant women are permitted to take the vaccine or not.

He intimated that health workers are very cautious when it comes to pregnant women because the manufacturer of the Covid-19 vaccine has advised that “we get a lot more safety data for the unborn child. That’s why for now we are holding on to pregnant women not taking the vaccine until such a time that we have enough information.”

Also on the specific protection the Covid-19 vaccine gives to the body, Dr. Achianu explained that the vaccines are generally harmless and it enhances the body’s response against germs that enter the body.

“All the studies done so far have concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine reduces moderate to severe sicknesses. Nobody gets worried when you have an infection and it's showing no sign or effect.

"The problem comes when the disease is sending you to your early grave and when you have to be admitted because you are panting and struggling to breathe together with all the social issues, then we can say we are now safe to have a vaccine that prevents all that,” he explained.

In conclusion, he said, there will be less risk of transmission if more people got vaccinated.