COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy
Key messages
From the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
- COVID-19 vaccines are 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.
- 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.
- You should not stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination and there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility.
- Having a COVID-19 vaccine will not remove the requirement for employers to carry out a risk assessment for pregnant employees, which should follow the rules set out in this government guidance.
Get vaccinated
- Book or manage your COVID-19 vaccination (nhs.uk)
- Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site
You can also get vaccinated when you are in for an antenatal at either of our hospitals.
Film
GP and new mum Rosanna (with baby Ted) talks about why being vaccinated during pregnancy is safer for you and your baby.
Further information
- Information to help you make a decision about vaccination (RCOG PDF)
- Information about the COVID-19 vaccine programme (gov.uk)
- Information about COVID-19 in pregnancy including FAQs (RCOG)
- Trust COVID-19 information sheet (PDF)
- Information about COVID-19 vaccines, including pregnancy/fertility information and general vaccine videos in multiple languages (NHS England)