Pregnant women in Milton Keynes encouraged to receive their Covid-19 vaccination

Date: 25/01/2022

There is growing evidence showing that women who are pregnant are at increased risk of serious consequences from Covid-19 and as a result, Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) is encouraging all pregnant women to receive their vaccination and booster vaccination as early as possible.

The vaccination is the best protection from the Covid-19 virus as studies have shown that hospital admissions and severe illnesses are more common in pregnant women (compared to those not pregnant), especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy.

While the vaccination is recommended in pregnancy and for those trying to fall pregnant, all women have the choice as to whether or not they choose to receive the vaccine. The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives along with leading healthcare societies have produced a useful guide which outlines the benefits and risks of the vaccination. A summary can be found below, with full details found here .

Benefits:

• Covid-19 may be more dangerous in pregnancy
• The vaccination is effective in preventing Covid-19 infection
• You cannot get Covid-19 from the vaccination

Risks:

• Side-effects from the vaccine are common, although these do not affect your pregnancy
• The Covid-19 vaccines have not yet been tested specifically in pregnant women, although data collected from 100,000 pregnant women in England and Scotland who received a Covid-19 vaccination shows no adverse side effects were recorded

Melissa Davis, Head of Midwifery, Gynaecology & Paediatrics at MKUH, said: “We are strongly encouraging all pregnant women to receive their vaccination at the earliest possible point to protect both themselves and their unborn baby from the serious consequences associated with Covid-19.

“We have seen from experience the benefits to women and babies of receiving the vaccine, as well as unfortunately the risks presented in unvaccinated patients. If you are unsure, have any reservations or would simply like more information, our team are happy to help in anyway that they can so please do get in contact with your midwife.”

As well as speaking with the midwifery team at MKUH, there are various ways that pregnant women and their families can seek further support and guidance regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Full Fact, a team of leading independent fact checkers along with charity Pregnant Then Screwed, have launched a WhatsApp helpline service. Anyone who has any questions can send a message, image, video or voice note to +44 7521 770995 and will receive a response within 24 hours. The service is funded by NHS England, for further details visit their website here.

Similarly, resources including video, are available on both the NHS website, UK Government website and The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, detailing all the information women need to make the right decision for them.

To receive your Covid-19 vaccination, book online or simply pop in to one of the walk in centres in our region. For opening times and location details, visit https://www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/drop-in-covid-19-vaccination-sessions-available

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