COVID-19 vaccinations declared safe for women in pregnancy

Mums-to-be can access the COVID-19 vaccine safely with others of their age group, in the latest national vaccination advice.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the rest of the population, based on their age and clinical risk group.

No specific safety concerns have been identified with any brand of COVID-19 vaccines in relation to pregnancy. 

Real-world data from the United States show that around 90,000^[1] pregnant women have been vaccinated, mainly with  vaccines including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, without any safety concerns being raised.

Based on these data, the JCVI advises that it is preferable for pregnant women in the UK to be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines where available. There is no evidence to suggest that other vaccines are unsafe for pregnant women, but more research is needed.

Public Health England’s Green Book, a clinical professional guide for vaccinators in the UK, still advises that pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their clinician, including the latest evidence on safety and which vaccines they should receive.

Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This is great news for women who are pregnant or thinking of starting a family, though obviously they should discuss risks and benefits with their clinician.

Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Women who are planning pregnancy, are in the immediate postpartum, or are breastfeeding can be vaccinated with any vaccine, depending on their age and clinical risk group.

“But remember that even after you have been vaccinated, hands, face, space and fresh air, along with regular testing, are the key to offer us all a route back to normality.”

For more information on vaccination visit:

http://www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk