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RCM offers reassurance after announcement on changes to Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine 

Covid-19 covid-19 RCM Member RCM Midwives MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Pregnancy NHS Staff

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has sought to reassure its members, healthcare workers and vulnerable pregnant women following the news that people under 30 are to be offered an alternative to the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

Responding to the announcement, Birte Harlev-Lam Executive Director Midwife at the RCM said:

“We can absolutely understand that young people, many of whom will be midwives, maternity support workers and other health and care professionals, may be concerned by today’s announcement. While the evidence shows that the benefits of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine far outweigh the risks, the Joint Committee for Vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) has taken the right decision in exercising caution. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said side effects of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine such as blood clots are incredibly rare, but if you have had one or both doses of the vaccine and are concerned, please contact your GP or vaccine centre immediately. If you are under 30 and have already received the first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, the JCVI have advised you should continue to be offered and take the second dose of the same vaccine.

“Pregnant women should not be excluded from the vaccination programme and we urge the MHRA and JCVI to redouble their efforts to support this group. In the meantime, pregnant women should speak to their midwife or obstetrician with any questions or concerns they may have.”

To contact the RCM media office call 020 7312 3456 or email media@rcm.org.uk

Notes to Editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

 

 

 

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