Pregnancy, breastfeeding and the coronavirus vaccines

Pregnant women are at increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19). If you haven’t had them already, you're eligible for a first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Please come forward as soon as possible.

Some pregnant women have become seriously unwell with coronavirus and needed hospital treatment. Pregnant women with coronavirus in later pregnancy have a higher risk of being admitted to intensive care than women of the same age who are not pregnant. Pregnant women with certain underlying health conditions are at even higher risk of suffering serious complications from coronavirus.

The coronavirus vaccine and pregnancy

The coronavirus vaccine is recommended in pregnancy. Vaccination is the best way to protect pregnant women and their babies against the known risks of coronavirus in pregnancy.

You and your unborn baby cannot catch coronavirus from the vaccine.

How can I get the vaccine?

If you haven’t had it already, speak to your midwife about getting your coronavirus vaccine.

Or, you can go to a drop-in clinic, book an appointment online or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Is the vaccine safe in pregnancy?

The coronavirus vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be safe and effective. Their safety and effectiveness continues to be checked while in use.

Breastfeeding advice

If you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, you can get the coronavirus vaccine.

The benefits of breastfeeding are well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest the virus can be spread through breast milk and the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of spreading the virus to your baby.

The coronavirus vaccine can safely be given to women who are breastfeeding so you should not stop breastfeeding to have your vaccination. The antibodies you make following vaccination can pass into your breastmilk. These may give your baby some protection against coronavirus.

You should not stop breastfeeding to be vaccinated against coronavirus. You can continue breastfeeding as normal after vaccination.

Other vaccines during pregnancy

There are 2 other vaccines offered during pregnancy; flu and whooping cough. Find out more about the flu and whooping cough vaccines in pregnancy

Further information

If you have any questions about the risks and benefits of vaccination you should discuss these with your health professional.