Vaccine advice on pregnancy and fertility

England’s top midwife has urged expectant mums to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The overwhelming majority of pregnant women hospitalised with the virus have not had a jab (98%). That’s why it is so important to get protected.

Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said: “Vaccines save lives, and this is another stark reminder that the COVID-19 jab can keep you, your baby and your loved ones, safe and out of hospital.”

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. If you have any concerns then please do discuss with a clinician beforehand.

Maternity COVID-19 vaccine pop-in clinics suspended

Maternity services COVID-19 vaccine clinics, located in the three maternity units across Mid and South Essex, will sadly be suspended and will not be offering the COVID-19 vaccine from Friday 1 July 2022.

This is a temporary service change, and we hope to recommence in the upcoming months.

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy as vaccinations are the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 for both women and babies. If you have any questions, please speak to your midwife or a healthcare professional, who can help support your decision making.

Please find your nearest walk-in clinics or book your vaccine appointment online.

Fertility and COVID-19 vaccination

There’s no evidence the COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on your chances of becoming pregnant.

There’s no need to avoid getting pregnant after being vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination, pregnancy and fertility

The public health team at Thurrock Council have worked with local GPs and other health professionals to bust some of the myths and help you understand what is fact and what is fiction.

Pregnancy

Dr Vicki Male explains why pregnant women are being encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fertility

Dr Vicki Male allays fears on the COVID-19 vaccine and how it has not been shown to affect fertility.

Dr Chris Olukanni, a Thurrock GP, reassures people that there is no affect on fertility on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, the virus itself has been linked with fertility problems.

Further information

The below resources offer further information on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy:

Ask the Expert events – our colleagues in Suffolk and North East Essex have hosted a number of ask the expert sessions around the COVID-19 vaccine, including several on fertility, pregnancy and breast feeding.

COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding – Advice for all women of childbearing age the Gov.uk website.

COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding – An FAQ on the vaccine and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women on the NHS website.

Full Fact: COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy: fact checked – Full Fact and Pregnant Then Screwed have launched a WhatsApp helpline service through which pregnant women and their families can request fact checks directly from Full Fact.