The Chief Midwife for NHS England in North East and Yorkshire is calling on all pregnant women to take up their Covid-19 and flu vaccines as they are more at risk of severe Covid-19 or flu, following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Pregnant women are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill if they get Covid-19, leading to hospital treatment or intensive care support. Office for National Statistics data from previous years show the vast majority of pregnant women who had been admitted to intensive care with Covid-19 had not been vaccinated.

Evidence also shows pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. This can lead to complications such as bronchitis, which can then develop into pneumonia. In some cases flu during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born prematurely.

Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Midwife for NHS England in North East and Yorkshire, said: “Protecting both you and your baby is our top priority. Vaccination remains the best way to protect from the known risk of Covid-19 and flu and with thousands of appointments across the region now available, we urge women to come forward for both jabs as soon as they can.”

Pregnant women can get their vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy during the campaign and if mums-to-be are concerned or have any questions regarding these vaccinations, they should speak to their GP, midwife or hospital team.

The JCVI has advised people eligible during this year’s vaccination campaign include those at increased risk because they are pregnant, as well as all aged 65 and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, those at increased risk because they have a certain underlying health condition, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

Both the flu and Covid vaccinations can be given together at one appointment. This can be booked by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations or on the NHS App. GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both flu and Covid vaccines, and people can book the flu vaccine by searching online for a local pharmacy.