COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy
Key messages
From the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG):
- COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended in pregnancy. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admission of the woman to intensive care and premature birth of the baby.
- In the UK, all pregnant women are urged to book their latest COVID-19 booster vaccine for the autumn/winter season as they are recognised as a clinical risk group.
- With new variants in circulation, it is particularly important for pregnant women to have a full course of COVID-19 vaccines if they have not already done so, to protect themselves and their babies—having the two doses and the booster makes you 88% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated.
- Women may wish to discuss the benefits and risks of being vaccinated with their healthcare professional and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances.
- The RCOG continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for women who are breastfeeding.
- Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination and currently there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility.
Get vaccinated
You can get vaccinated when you are in for an antenatal appointment at either of our hospitals.