Pregnant women encouraged to come forward for vaccine

Pregnant women in Stockport are being urged to come forward to get their Covid-19 vaccine after new warnings reveal the serious consequences for both mother and baby from catching Covid in the later stages of pregnancy.

More than 96% of pregnant women admitted to hospital with Covid symptoms between May and October last year were unvaccinated, latest national statistics have revealed.

Health bosses in Stockport are calling on pregnant women who have not yet had their first, second, third or booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to act as soon as possible to protect both themselves and their babies from the life-threatening complications that can be associated with the virus.

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:

“Omicron is continuing to spread throughout Stockport so if you are pregnant, or hoping to become pregnant, it is absolutely vital that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes getting the booster.

“There are plenty of vaccination options to choose from across Stockport – please get vaccinated as soon as you can.”

Cllr Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Stockport Council, said:

“Please get your first or second dose of the vaccine if pregnant or trying for a baby, or a booster if it’s more than 12 weeks since your second vaccination. The vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. It is the best way to protect you and your baby from the known risks of COVID-19, including premature birth and admission to intensive care.”

The One Stockport Hub is currently open Tuesdays through to Saturdays, 10am until 3pm, and Trinity Methodist Church is open seven days a week, 8am until 6pm. Both sites continue to offer first, second or booster vaccinations to all those who are 12+ and eligible.

Bookable appointments are also available on the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119 for free.

Stay up to date with Stockport’s vaccination clinic options by visiting the Stockport CCG website, or by following @NHSStockportCCG on Facebook and Twitter.