Pregnant women urged to get boosted now

Pregnant women across Stockport are being urged to get vaccinated after experts warn that catching Covid in the later stages of pregnancy can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.

According to national statistics more than 96% of pregnant women admitted to hospital with Covid symptoms between May and October last year were unvaccinated.

Based upon the advice from medical experts we are encouraging pregnant women who have not yet had their first, second, third or booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, urging them to act as soon as possible to protect both themselves and their babies from the life-threatening complications that can be associated with the virus.

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Omicron is continuing to spread throughout Stockport so if you are pregnant, or hoping to become pregnant, it is absolutely vital that you get vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes getting the booster.

“There are plenty of vaccination options to choose from across Stockport – please get vaccinated as soon as you can.”

Councillor Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Stockport Council, said: “Please get your first or second dose of the vaccine if pregnant or trying for a baby, or a booster if it’s more than 12 weeks since your second vaccination. The vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. It is the best way to protect you and your baby from the known risks of COVID-19, including premature birth and admission to intensive care.”

The One Stockport Hub is currently open Tuesdays through to Saturdays, 10am until 3pm, and Trinity Methodist Church is open seven days a week, 8am until 6pm. Both sites continue to offer first, second or booster vaccinations to all those who are 12+ and eligible.

Bookable appointments are also available on the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119 for free.

Stay up to date with Stockport’s vaccination clinic options by visiting the Stockport CCG website: www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-vaccination-options/, or by following @NHSStockportCCG on Facebook and Twitter.