RCM Wales supports call for pregnant women to have Covid vaccine

on 14 October 2021 Midwifery Pregnancy Public Health RCM RCM Wales NHS Wales Wales Covid-19 Women Wellbeing Of Women

A Public Health Wales (PHW) campaign to encourage pregnant women to get the Coronavirus vaccine has been launched today. PHW says that increasing numbers of unvaccinated pregnant women are in hospital seriously ill with the virus.

Helen Rogers, Director for Wales at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “Having the COVID vaccination could save your life, could stop you becoming seriously ill with the virus, and could prevent avoidable harm to your baby. Over 200,000 pregnant women have had the vaccine in the UK and USA, with no harms reported to mothers or their babies. My appeal to pregnant women across Wales who have not been vaccinated is to consider having it, so that they can avoid being one of these statistics, and to protect themselves, their babies and their families.”

“I have real concerns about the misleading and often simply wrong information circulating about the vaccine and pregnancy, and which may be affecting women’s decisions to have it or not. I urge women to get their information from trusted sources such as the NHS and government websites or medical organisations such as the RCM and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. If you are unsure about the vaccination do speak to a healthcare professional such as your midwife or GP who will give you unbiased and factual advice and support.”

ENDS

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Notes to editor

Information on the Public Health Wales campaign can be read at Coronavirus vaccine benefits far outweigh risks - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales).

Information from the RCM and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for pregnant women and health professionals on the Covid vaccination can be found on the RCM website at Coronavirus Hub - RCM.

See also the RCOG/RCM decision aid on Covid vaccination for pregnant women at https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2021-02-24-combined-info-sheet-and-decision-aid.pdf

The Royal College of Midwives (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.

 

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