Pregnant women are being strongly encouraged to have their first, second or booster covid dose.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have identified pregnant women as being a high risk group in the fight against Covid.
The update guidance from the JCVI asks for pregnant women to be made a priority in the booster campaign to better protect both mother and child against Covid.
It comes off the back of growing evidence showing that women who are pregnant are at increased risk of serious consequences from Covid-19.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a jab if you’re pregnant.
Can you take a Covid booster when pregnant?
Professor Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI, said: "There is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines used in pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirths, congenital abnormalities or birth complications."
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also not found any safety concerns of vaccinating women during pregnancy.
The overall risk from Covid for pregnant women and their babies is low, but there is a chance that women who are infected by coronavirus are more likely to have their babies early.
Those who have underlying conditions are at higher risk of suffering complications.
So as Prof. Lim stressed: "Having a UK-approved Covid-19 vaccine is safer than having Covid-19 itself."
Dr June Raine, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), further confirmed in a statement: "We want to reassure all pregnant women that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for them to use at all stages of pregnancy."
What are the risks of taking the Covid vaccine when you're pregnant?
The MHRA which monitors any side effects of the vaccine on pregnancy, has confirmed that there is no current evidence to show an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth following vaccination against COVID-19.
There is also no patterns of congenital anomalies or birth complications due to vaccinations.
Mothers have no reason to worry about their unborn baby, as the vaccines don't contain any living organising that infect you or the foetus with Covid.
Speak to a healthcare professional looking after you in your pregnancy for any further advice.
You'll also be able to discuss benefits and any potential risks of taking the jab during your pregnancy at your vaccination appointment.
Booking a vaccine appointment if you're pregnant
According to the NHS site, if you're pregnant and have not had a COVID-19 vaccine yet, it's preferable for you to have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
These vaccines have been widely used on pregnant women in other countries, with no safety concerns being identified. You can book your appointment online.
If you're under 40, you'll only be shown appointments for the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
If you're 40 or over, you'll be asked if you're pregnant in order to make sure you're only shown appointments for these vaccines.`
