The boosters are being offered to all those at higher risk from COVID to maximise their protection ahead of winter, when viruses circulate most and can cause greatest harm. Evidence shows that pregnant women are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, particularly in later stages of pregnancy. This can cause complications for both the mother and their baby, including premature birth and stillbirth.
Both the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also recommend that pregnant women should get the vital jab, which is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Research has also shown that vaccination in pregnancy can protect your baby from COVID-19 for six months after they are born.
Karen Dawber, chief nursing officer at Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust, said: “Simply put, vaccination is the best way to protect you and your baby. When you become pregnant, your immune system weakens which makes it harder to fight off infections so this puts you at greater risk of developing serious illness from COVID. This can cause complications, such as your baby being born prematurely, and it may increase the need for admission to intensive care for both you and your baby.
“Immunity from the vaccines reduces over time, so the booster will top up your protection levels and help keep you and your baby safe this winter. Or if you’ve not had the vaccine yet, it’s never too late, you can have it safely at any time during your pregnancy.”
COVID-19 vaccines can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119 free of charge.
The annual flu vaccination is also recommended for all pregnant women and is safe to have at the same time as the COVID booster if people want to have them together.
Pregnant women are advised to speak to their midwife or GP if they have any questions about the vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.
Tabitha Lawreniuk from Bradford, who is pregnant with her second child, says she got the booster as soon as possible to help keep her baby safe:
“I got vaccinated when I was pregnant with my first child as I thought that if I trusted the midwives and doctors with everything else, why not this too. My son is now one and thriving so I didn’t hesitate to get my booster when it was offered to try to keep this baby as safe as my first.”
Pregnant women are advised to speak to their midwife or GP if they have any questions about the vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.