Buckinghamshire Mums-to-be urged to get COVID-19 vaccine
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Director of Midwifery, Heidi Beddall, is urging mums-to-be who have not yet had their first, second, third or booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to get their jab as soon as possible.
Recent data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System shows 96.3% of pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms between May and October 2021 were unvaccinated, a third of which (33%) requiring respiratory support. Around 1 in 5 women who are hospitalised with the virus need to be delivered preterm to help them recover and 1 in 5 of their babies need care in the neonatal unit.
Heidi Beddall, Director of Midwifery for the Trust, said: “The vaccine is safe whether you are trying to have a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both you and your baby, including admission to intensive care and premature birth of your baby.”
The Trust is holding a public webinar, 2 February, 5.30-6.30pm. There will be a panel of clinical experts who will share the latest information and answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to speak to a healthcare professional about any concerns, please contact The Antenatal Clinic at Stoke Mandeville Hospital , 01296 316227.
Even if you have previously declined the vaccine, you can book an appointment on the NHS National Booking Service website or call 119 between 7am and 11pm.
Information for pregnant women and their families from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.