Anyone who is pregnant is being urged by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s chief nurse to get their COVID-19, flu and whooping cough vaccinations this winter.
People who are pregnant are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and flu which puts their babies at risk too.
Evidence shows that most pregnant women with COVID-19 who need hospital treatment or intensive care in the UK had not been vaccinated.
Additionally, by having the whooping cough vaccine it can help protect newborn babies in their first six weeks of life before they can start their childhood vaccinations.
Local mum Rachel recently got her COVID-19 vaccine at a walk-in session in Melbourn, .
She said: “I’ve had my COVID-19 and flu vaccinations this winter, to ensure both me and my unborn baby are protected. I found a local walk-in session near me, and it was all done quickly.
“For me, it’s peace of mind knowing that both me and my baby are protected over the winter months.”
Carol Anderson, chief nurse at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “The flu jab and COVID-19 booster can be given at any point in pregnancy but we’re encouraging you do so as soon as possible to ensure maximum protection.
“The vaccines also provide some level of protection to your baby in the first few months of life, which is especially important for flu, as babies under six months old are at high risk of severe disease.”
Anyone who wants more information about these vaccines should talk to a health professional or more information is online at www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/
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