Page last updated: 5 May, 2022, 5:03pm
Vaccine advice on pregnancy and fertility
Arranging your vaccination
Arrange a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination by booking an appointment via the NHS website or by visiting a walk-in clinic:
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.
Pop up clinics at local maternity departments
Anyone who is pregnant, new mums and their partners can find out more about COVID-19 vaccination, ask an expert any questions they may have and receive the vaccine on the day, thanks to a series of regular pop-up clinics taking place across Essex. For more information on the clinics:
further information about the clinics
COVID-19 is still very much around and continues to pose a serious risk to unvaccinated expectant and new mums. Across the three hospitals in mid and south Essex, anyone attending an antenatal or postnatal clinic can speak to an expert about a range of topics including vaccine safety, the effect on them and their unborn baby, or simply find out more about the vaccinations available. See the clinic times and locations below:
Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
Antenatal clinic (room A401)
Every Monday and Wednesday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Basildon Hospital
Antenatal clinic reception (next to room 494)
Every Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Southend Hospital
Second floor next to the maternity entrance
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
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.