The COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the UK have been shown to be effective and have a good safety record.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an independent expert group, has advised that pregnant women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as people of the same age or clinical risk group.
The vaccines have not yet been tested in clinical trials on pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, more than 110,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in the USA and no safety issues have been identified, so these two vaccines are preferred in pregnancy. Vaccination is very effective in preventing COVID-19 infection.
Anyone who has already started vaccination and is offered a second dose whilst pregnant should have a second dose with the same vaccine unless they had a serious side effect after the first dose.
Other vaccines, for example whooping cough and flu vaccines, have been given to millions of
pregnant women and found to be safe for them and their babies.
It is your choice whether to have the vaccine. For some pregnant women, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination are particularly important.
You can find out more information about COVID-19 vaccines, including their contents and possible side effects at coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ productinformation
You can report suspected side effects online at coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by downloading the Yellow Card app.
If you have any questions or want more information, you can visit 111.wales.nhs.uk, talk to your doctor or midwife or call NHS 111 Wales.
If 111 is not available in your area, please call 0845 46 47. Calls from landlines and mobiles cost 2p per minute (plus your telephone provider’s usual charge).
To find out how the NHS uses your information, visit 111.wales.nhs.uk/lifestylewellbeing/ yourinfoyourrights
For other formats of this leaflet including Easy Read, large print, British Sign Language video, Recite Me accessibility software and other languages visit: phw.nhs.wales/covid-19-vaccination