NHS campaign calls for pregnant women to get winter vaccines

Ahead of winter, NHS Greater Manchester (GM) is giving pregnant women across the region the information and reassurance needed to get their winter vaccines for both flu and Covid-19 as soon as possible.

Research has shown that uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine is low compared to those not pregnant in GM – due to fears about how safe it is to have multiple vaccinations during this time.

That is why the campaign aims to encourage and support pregnant women across GM to make informed decisions about getting their winter vaccines.

Providing advice on where to get reliable information from and addressing concerns via clinicians and videos featuring real-life experiences of seven women in the region who were vaccinated during pregnancy.

One such story, features Tochi, 31, from Bolton, who discusses how she decided to get fully vaccinated to ensure she was protected against serious illnesses and to help ensure her baby was healthy.

Tochi, 31 (Image: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care)The vaccines caused her no problems at all, so when her friend told her she wasn’t going to get them, she encouraged her to do research and read more about it on the NHS website – leading to her friend changing her mind and getting the vaccinations.

Another Bolton woman, Alessandra, 28, who lives in the borough with her husband and two daughters, also features in the campaign.

She discusses how during her first pregnancy she had all the vaccines she needed but during her second pregnancy she was worried to have the Covid-19 vaccine because she came through her first trimester being really poorly.

She shared how she was worried she could lose the baby but also saw how vulnerable pregnant women were during the height of Covid.

Alessandra, 28 (Image: NHS Greater Manchester)Alessandra said it wasn't a question for her, she knew she was having the Covid vaccine to give them 'a fighting chance' and from her experience of having vaccines during pregnancies they are 'safe to have'.

Being fully vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 is vital for the health of pregnant women as they are more vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell and hospitalised with any virus during pregnancy due to weakening effects on the immune system in pregnancy.

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Dr Helen Wall, clinical director for population health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “Understandably, we know that a lot of women can be nervous about having jabs during their pregnancy, especially with so much misinformation out there about the Covid-19 vaccination.

“But we can’t emphasise enough the risks not being vaccinated pose to pregnant women – which is why this campaign is so important.

“The growing evidence of harm from both virus’ in pregnant women is quite alarming.

“So as a mother and GP, I want to encourage pregnant women to seek out a vaccine for both Covid and flu this autumn as our hospitalisation rates for both have already began to climb.

“Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and Covid-19, ahead of what could be a very challenging winter with the rise of the new variant.

“That’s why I urge anyone who is pregnant to please come forward as soon as possible to ensure you have the extra protection needed to keep you and your baby safe.

“There will be many sites all over Greater Manchester offering both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, so we encourage people to get both – either at the same time or separately.

“Being symptomatic with Covid is also much more miserable while pregnant and unable to self-medicate a fever and aches and pains and I am already meeting pregnant women in practice who are suffering.

“If you are worried about getting the jabs – speak to your midwife or GP who will be able to answer any questions you have and point you in the direction of further legitimate sources of information.”

Adult flu and Covid-19 appointments are available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for those who can’t get online. Flu vaccines are also available through local GP practices and pharmacies.

For more information about the Autumn Winter vaccine programme, you can visit: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/find-a-service/flu-and-covid-vaccinations/.

To find your nearest Covid-19 walk in clinic visit: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/covid-vaccine-walk-in-clinics/

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.