Yes. The JCVI are strongly advising that all pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as possible. There is evidence that women who are pregnant are at increased risk of serious consequences from COVID-19, and they are now considered a clinical risk group in the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The majority of pregnant women admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19 have not been vaccinated.
Studies have shown that hospital admission and severe illness are more common in pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, and stillbirth or premature birth is more likely.
Pregnant women should be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines when possible. These vaccines have been given to hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in the US and the UK with no safety concerns. The vaccine of choice for pregnant women under 18 is Pfizer/BioNTech. Having a UK-approved COVID-19 vaccine is safer than being infected with COVID-19. If you have further questions, speak to your doctor or midwife.
Further information on COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding is available from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (external site).
YouTube video: Please note that the two-dose universal primary course offer ended on 30 June 2023. Since this date, only people who meet the eligibility criteria for a COVID-19 booster continue to be eligible for a primary course.