Trial to find the safest gap between COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people

"They do not feel confident enough about vaccination"

The HSE has stressed that the best way to protect both you and your baby from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Pregnant people are being urged to get their vaccine when it is offered to them. The HSE states that you can avail of the vaccine if you're over 16 and pregnant, trying for a baby or might get pregnant in the future or, breastfeeding. However, many people are hesitant about getting vaccinated when pregnant, but a new UK trial is currently underway to find the safest gap between COVID-19 vaccine doses for pregnant women. Researchers hope this study will reassure and increase people's confidence in the vaccine. It is believed 600 pregnant women will take part in the study. Scientists will analyse the vaccine's effectiveness as well as the child's development in their first year. Professor Paul Heath, the chief investigator told Sky News vaccine uptake in pregnant women is low because of misinformation. "I suspect that one of the reasons for that is that they do not feel confident enough about vaccination. Perhaps participating in a trial will give them that confidence." England's vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi commented: "This government-backed trial will provide more data about how we can best protect pregnant women and their babies, and we can use this evidence to inform future vaccination programmes." Most pregnant women who get the virus get mild to moderate symptoms. They give birth normally and the risk of passing on COVID-19 to their baby is low. However, expectant mothers are still at a higher risk of suffering from severe illness and could need treatment in intensive care. The virus may also cause complications for your baby, the HSE warned. It is understandable that pregnant people may be wary of getting the vaccination but the HSE stressed that it is safe to get your vaccine if you're between 14 and 36 weeks. It is the best way to protect both you and your baby. A very small number of stillbirths have been linked to a COVID-19-related condition called COVID placentitis. This condition can affect the placenta’s ability to pass oxygen and nutrients to your baby. It can occur between 7 and 21 days after contracting COVID-19. Click here for more information on pregnancy and COVID-19.