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Covid-19 (Coronavirus) - 2
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
What is Covid-19?
Most people who catch the virus will have mild to moderate symptoms and recover without needing special treatment. Common symptoms include a headache, fatigue, cough, and muscle aches. Some people will become seriously ill and will be admitted to hospital.
In severe cases it can cause lung infection (pneumonia), serious respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), multiple organ failure and death.
Why do I need the Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy?
The JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination) advise that pregnant women are more at risk of developing severe illness from Covid-19. The risk from Covid-19 for pregnant women and their unborn babies have changed over time with the different strains.
Pregnant women are more at risk from Covid-19 infection if they have other medical conditions such as immune problems, asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes. Pregnant women who are overweight, over the age of 35, over 28-weeks of pregnancy or are of a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background are also at higher risk.
There is evidence that vaccination in pregnancy greatly lowers this risk, helping to prevent problems that could require you to go to hospital.
What is the risk for my baby from me catching Covid-19?
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of having placental problems which may impact on their baby’s growth. Pregnant women with Covid-19 are more at risk of giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks) and having a baby with a lower birth weight.
If you have Covid-19 your baby could catch it. If your baby caught Covid-19 it may require special care in the hospital after birth.
How does getting vaccinated help protect me and my baby?
If you have Covid-19 in later pregnancy, you and your baby are at
increased risk of serious disease needing hospital treatment and intensive care support.
The overall risk from Covid-19 for you and your new baby is low but has increased in different strains of Covid-19. The chance of infection can change very quickly dependent upon the types
of strains of Covid-19.
There is evidence that vaccination in pregnancy may help prevent Covid-19 hospital admissions of babies in the first 6-months of life. This is because immunity in the mother can be passed on to the baby in the womb.
What does having the Covid-19 vaccination involve?
The vaccination is an injection in your arm.
Is the Covid-19 vaccination safe in pregnancy?
No safety concerns relating to Covid-19 vaccination of pregnant women have been found in published studies to date.
There can be mild side effects such as swelling, redness, a heavy feeling or tenderness where the vaccination is given, feeling tired, having a headache or general aches or mild flu-like symptoms.
These tend to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine.
Where can I get the Covid-19 vaccination and when should I get it?
The vaccination can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Please ask your midwife, consultant, or GP.
Can I still catch Covid-19 after having the vaccination?
The Covid-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you becoming severely unwell from Covid-19. It may take a few days for your body to build up some extra protection from the vaccine.
No vaccine is completely effective, and some people may still get Covid-19, but any infection should be less severe.
