If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get your COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and your baby. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women are more at risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Pregnant women should get vaccinated as soon as possible and should not wait until after they have given birth. 

Here are five things you should know: 

1. There is a higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19 during pregnancy. 

2. According to the Health and Social Care Secretary, 1 in 5 COVID-19 patients who are the most critically ill are pregnant women who have not been vaccinated*. 

3. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live coronavirus or any ingredients that are known to be harmful. 

4. The vaccines are safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. 

5. You can pass on antibodies through breast milk that help protect your baby against the virus. 

Almost 140 million vaccine doses have been administered in England so far. It’s never too late to get your vaccination. Appointments can be made through the National Booking System or by calling 119. 

Alternatively, you can attend a walk-in vaccination clinic near you. To find your nearest walk-in clinic in southwest London, please visit our walk-in webage. 
 
For more information about the vaccination programme in southwest London, please visit: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/ 

* Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/10/nhs-encourages-pregnant-women-to-get-covid-19-vaccine/