COVID-19 and flu vaccines in pregnancy

Covid-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy.

The vaccine is safe and effective at any stage of 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.

Pregnant women may wish to discuss the benefits and risks of having the vaccine with their healthcare professional and reach a joint decision based on individual circumstances.  However, as for the non-pregnant population, pregnant women can receive a Covid-19 vaccine even if they have not had a discussion with a healthcare professional.

In addition, influenza (flu) can be a serious disease in pregnant women.  To protect women and their babies the flu vaccination is recommended.

 

How to get your Covid-19 and/or flu vaccine

You can book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine at nhs.uk/covidvaccine

You can obtain a flu vaccine from your GP or local pharmacist

OR

Book an appointment at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s dedicated maternity Covid-19 & flu vaccination clinic:

  • Friday 12 November: 9.30am to 3pm, Antenatal Clinic, Wycombe General Hospital

Please call 01296 316227 to book.  Alternatively, you can walk-in from 11.30am – 1pm.

Further appointments will be available – please speak with your Community Midwife for details or contact 01296 316227 for future dates.

 

Further information from trusted sources

 Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and Royal College of Midwives information sheet and decision aid

https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2021-02-24-combined-info-sheet-and-decision-aid.pdf

 

Gov.uk Covid-19 vaccination: a guide on pregnancy and breastfeeding

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-women-of-childbearing-age-currently-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-women-of-childbearing-age-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1027193/UKHSA_12073_COVID-19_vaccination_info_pregnancy_breastfeeding_v5.pdf

 

Vaccine Knowledge Project – University of Oxford (flu)

https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/flu-vaccine-pregnancy

 

Public Health England: flu, your pregnancy and you

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/451735/9407_PHE_Pregnancy_Flu_DL_leaflet_06b_web.pdf