Conflicting Advice Leaves Pregnant Women Scared About Covid-19 Vaccination

Strategic Insights -

Pregnant women in the UK are being given mixed messages about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine, with some health professionals advising them against getting the jab despite NHS guidance to encourage vaccination. According to NHS figures, one in six of the most critically ill Covid patients requiring life-saving care are unvaccinated pregnant women. A helpline set up to provide accurate information on the vaccine has been receiving calls from pregnant women who are being told conflicting advice, with some midwives advising against the vaccine due to concerns about ovulation and menstruation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS advises pregnant women to get vaccinated against Covid-19, but some health professionals are giving conflicting advice.
  • One in six critically ill Covid patients requiring life-saving care are unvaccinated pregnant women.
  • A helpline set up to provide accurate information on the vaccine has received calls from pregnant women being told conflicting advice.
  • Some midwives are advising against the vaccine due to concerns about ovulation and menstruation.
  • Pregnant women are being told to speak to their health visitor, GP, or midwife, but getting clear advice has proven to be challenging.
  • The Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have been lobbying for more widespread government public information about the vaccine in pregnancy.
  • Dr. Jo Mountfield, a consultant obstetrician, encourages all pregnant women who are currently eligible to take up the offer of the Covid-19 booster vaccine.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 6 (16.7%) of critically ill Covid patients requiring life-saving care are unvaccinated pregnant women (NHS figures).
  • 20 August: The Vaccines and Pregnancy helpline was launched to help pregnant women navigate information about the vaccine.
  • 30 July: NHS England sent a letter to senior managers advising that all healthcare professionals have a responsibility to encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated.
  • 2020: Pregnant women were first offered the vaccine in December, if they were health or care workers or in an at-risk group.
  • 2021: It has been recommended that pregnant women should be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine since April.

Sources:

  • The Vaccines and Pregnancy helpline (launched on 20 August)
  • NHS England letter to senior managers (30 July)
  • [Deleted the other sources as they were referred, but not directly quoted or mentioned, keeping in line with the "EXACTLY as mentioned in the original text" guidance]