Nobody wants to vaccinate me?

[nina3638]

I received my letter on Friday saying it’s my turn to be vaccinated - I’m CEV due to severe asthma and immunosuppressants. I’m also 30 weeks pregnant. As I’m high risk it’s still recommended I get the vaccine.

Booked in the following Monday at a vaccination centre, waited in line for nearly two hours past my appointment time and then got right to my turn and they turned me away as they said they weren’t authorised to give it to pregnant people despite the guideline saying high risk pregnant people can have it? I then went back to rebook and phoned some of the other places on the list, all have said they would refuse to vaccinate me. My GP have said they probably could but that they’re still on the over 70s category and nowhere near CEV.

I’m panicking a bit as I’m being c-sectioned in 8 weeks and would like at least a little bit of protection whilst in hospital.

Has anyone managed to get the vaccine while pregnant from a vaccination centre, and if so, how?!

Over 70 and CEV are the same group. And they are all being done this week or next.

Speak to your midwife.. This is the best route forward as general push is not to give to pregnant women

I'm CEV and in hospital at the moment. Not pregnant or covid but I feel very safe. I can't have the vaccines because of allergies so that's an aside point and it doesn't fuss me. But what would fuss me is getting vaccinated 30 weeks pregnant! Gosh you couldn't pay me to (even without allergies) way too much of an unknown risk. And I wouldn't trust anyone who would give one to a 30 week pregnant woman - that's unethical

I'd repost this with your actual question as the title Has anyone managed to get the vaccine while pregnant from a vaccination centre.

I agree with Happy that you need to speak to a your own midwife.

As it hasn't been tested on pregnant women, are you sure this is a good idea OP?
I understand that you are afraid of picking up Covid in hospital, but remember that levels of transmission will be much lower in 8 weeks. Almost all of the HCPs you come into contact with will have had the vaccine weeks ago. Yesterday's news that AZ appears to block/reduce transmission was good news for reducing transmission further.

Pregnant ladies can have the vaccine if the potential risk of Covid outweighs the risk of the vaccine.

I think it's the OP decision in consultation with her doctor/midwife on getting vaccinated. That is clearly what the guidance says and with her health issues she is right to seriously consider it. Sorry OP I don't have an answer as I had a faff getting it while breastfeeding. I'd speak to your midwife and make more fuss with your GP.

I asked my midwife who seems to have no clue how she can help - just feel so frustrated as everyone I’ve spoken to seems to thinks it’s someone else’s problem. 119 also told me to call 111 about it - I thought the entire point of 119 was vaccination and test queries .

But aside from that - yeah I really do want it now. Aside from the fact that I think I’d be seriously ill from covid if I were to catch it, I’ve read studies that if I get the vaccine while pregnant baby will get antibodies and I would love for her to be protected too.

An immuniser at a vaccination centre is accountable for their actions/practice and may not feel comfortable administering the vaccine to you as they are not au fait with your individual circumstances, merely see you are obviously pregnant. There is not the time to have those discussions in such a setting. Your GP is your best option, even if this means a longer wait. You could ask to go on their list for any DNAs.

GPs in my area are not doing it. Hubs only. So no one who can take responsibility for you.

You’ll need someone to do an individual risk assessment for you. Unfortunately the only cases I know of are that heavily pregnant people are being advised to give birth first, as it’s less risk, and someone has to take individual risk for deciding to vaccinate you.

That said, I know of 12 people who have given birth in the last seven months, one got coronavirus, everyone and their babies are home, happy and healthy.

No one is keen to vaccinate pregnant women, nor are they keen to vaccinate children. There is obviously some concern there. I really hate ‘pregnant people’ though.

@PrincessOfAllOurTarts

I'd repost this with your actual question as the title Has anyone managed to get the vaccine while pregnant from a vaccination centre.

I agree with Happy that you need to speak to a your own midwife.

I agree

I am guessing the letter came from a computer that doesn't list you as pregnant?

I have a CEV relative in late 40s who has had theirs so I'm surprised by your GP comment on CEV.

@LunaHeather yeah I kind of thought the vaccination centres and GPs were working at the same pace for some reason. Don’t know if it’s because I’m North East and apparently we’re getting less vaccines here at the minute?

I've been working in a vaccination centre and we have GP's and pharmacists there. I would vaccinate a pregnant lady who could consent and had weighed up the risks v's benefits. Would probably discuss with clinical team there, but I wouldn't flat refuse.

Hi OP, it might be worth showing the RCOG guidance to your midwife, as it states “We are recommending that pregnant women who might be eligible for vaccination should receive it through their maternity unit, or notify their local maternity unit when it is received.” www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/updated-advice-on-covid-19-vaccination-in-pregnancy-and-women-who-are-breastfeeding/
That suggests the maternity unit should at least be clued up on the process, if not able to give you the jab themselves.
Also, I’m totally with you. I’d want the jab too if I was in your position.

@barbites that’s what I was expecting! I don’t mind accepting the risks, I’m happy to take the risk as I think the benefits of having it outweigh not having it; I’m just not even being the option!

@EarlGreywithLemon that’s a great plan! I have my next appointment in a week so will show it to them then if nothing further has happened - thank you!

Speak to your GP practice about being vaccinated at the GP hub, these appointments are booked through the practices so they know you’ve been approved you can’t book the GP vaccination hub online online through the practice
CEV is the same group as over 70s but that is below the over 75s as a priority

Good luck OP! Are you seeing a consultant either through your pregnancy or for your asthma/ immunosuppressant treatment? If so, that could be another route. You can describe the issue to your consultant and see what they can do- perhaps a letter to your GP, or to have with you at your vaccination appointment?

They have been vaccinating pregnant women working in healthcare is the US since the start and are now doing so here. I’m not CEV so have no choice but I am 33 weeks pregnant and would definitely take it if I had the option. Especially with the information on passive immunity to the newborn.

"Pregnant people"?

Have a google at Royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists advice. They seem to suggest CEV pregnant women have it at maternity unit following discussion with their obstetrician.

Just to update - managed to get it last night from my GP! Got the Oxford one and feel pretty grim, but so glad I’ve had it! Thanks for the advice all

Brilliant news OP, so pleased for you! All the very best to you for the last few weeks of the pregnancy and your little one’s arrival!

@stairway

No one is keen to vaccinate pregnant women, nor are they keen to vaccinate children. There is obviously some concern there. I really hate ‘pregnant people’ though.

Same, I’ve been seeing this everywhere lately and it’s really been bothering me.

No shade to you OP, just nice to see someone else verbalising how I feel.