Pregnant women across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to get their COVID-19, flu, RSV and whooping cough vaccinations ahead of Winter months.
Two thirds of pregnant women across the region are yet to have their flu vaccination and the NHS is encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward and receive the vital protection that these vaccines offer them and their unborn babies.
More than 3,000 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations have been given to pregnant women in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since October 2024 which is the 4th highest nationally (out of 42 local NHS systems). Pregnant women should be offered the RSV vaccine at around 28 weeks pregnant. By having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help you build a good level of antibodies to pass on to your baby before birth. This will give your baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first 2 years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis which can result in hospital admissions.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, a GP in Hampshire, said:
“It is great to see so many pregnant women coming forward to have their vaccinations and I would like to encourage all eligible pregnant women to take up the offer. It is really important as having the vaccinations helps to protect you and your baby from becoming seriously unwell.
“It’s safe to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. It’s also safe for people who are breastfeeding to have the vaccines.”
“I strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, RSV and whooping cough ahead of winter to protect you and your baby.”
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The whooping cough vaccination can be given from 16 weeks pregnant but is usually administered at around 20 weeks.
This pregnancy health checklist is a quick-and-easy guide to tick off the essential things you can do to help protect you and your baby this winter:
- Get your RSV, COVID-19, flu and whooping cough vaccinations
- Take your vitamins and folic acid
- Get the rest that you need
- If you smoke, it’s time to quit
- Stay active
- Stick to a sensible diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Book your antenatal classes
- Build your support network of friends, family and professionals to know where to turn for help
As well as getting the vaccinations, pregnant women are reminded to attend their routine maternity appointments.
Further information from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight about vaccinations during pregnancy can be found at https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/winter-help-and-support.
Amen to that.
No thank you
https://www.youtube.com/live/DE6CDD4eP08?si=6BU7Fwyk2ht5dRwz
‘It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms’
Which is possibly why women aren’t having the vaccination.
Have the important vaccinations, most of us know which ones they are, think twice about the others. Make up your own minds, don’t feel pressurised.