Pregnant women should now be prioritised for their Covid vaccination, the UK’s vaccines watchdog has recommended.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said that pregnant Scots are at ‘increased risk’ of contracting severe symptoms of the coronavirus.
Experts say that the majority of pregnant women in hospital with severe Covid are unvaccinated.
JVCI scientists have ruled that pregnant women should be considered a “clinical risk group” within the Covid vaccination programme.
Any expecting mothers that are yet to be vaccinated are now being urgently recommended to complete their primary course of vaccination - which is two doses of the vaccine eight weeks apart.
Pregnant women who have already completed their primary course should also step forward for the Covid booster jab at least three weeks after receiving their second dose.
Recent data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shows no evidence of vaccination causing birth complications such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
The JCVI has called for charities, midwives and local community leaders to promote the benefits of vaccination to pregnant women.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of the JCVI Covid-19 Immunisation, 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. Having a UK approved COVID-19 vaccine is safer than having COVID-19 itself.
“Women who are pregnant are strongly encouraged to have a first, second or booster vaccine dose as appropriate in order to better protect yourself and your baby from any serious consequences from COVID-19.”
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam of the UKHSA added: “The serious risks posed to women who become infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy have become increasingly clear.
“We know that the vaccines used in the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme have been highly effective in preventing serious complications and those recommended for pregnant women have a good safety record.
“I would urge all pregnant women to come forward and get their vaccine without delay. This is the best way to protect you and your baby.”
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