Since December 2021 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has urged pregnant women to come forward for their primary and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccinations for maximum protection against COVID-19.
Following advice from the JCVI, the Secretary of State for Health has announced the decision to end the ‘evergreen’ offer of two primary doses in England. This means:
- Pregnant women who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged to come forward at any point during their pregnancy, before 30 June 2023. Pregnant women can book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment by downloading the NHS App, online at www.nhs.uk/COVIDvaccination or by calling 119.
- If a woman is pregnant and has had one COVID-19 vaccination, or none at all, they can still get the vaccine until 30 June. After 30 June, the offer will become more targeted to those at higher risk from severe COVID-19, following advice from experts. Once the evergreen offer ends, the vaccine will usually only be offered seasonally (for example, during the autumn-winter period), and we will let you know when the NHS receives advice on who should be included in future seasonal booster campaigns.
- After 30 June, people will only be eligible for a 1st or 2nd dose if they are at increased risk from COVID-19 and in most cases, they will have to wait until the autumn to get these vaccinations. If someone develops a new health condition or starts treatment that severely weakens their immune system, an exception may be made if their clinician advises vaccination sooner.
Women can get advice from their midwife or GP if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Please note this is advice from the Government Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and shared for information by the Maternity Voices Partnership