MNHQ here: COVID vaccine Q&A with NHS experts - ask your question here

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

We're very pleased to say we've managed to secure some time with experts from a range of disciplines to answer all your questions about the COVID vaccine.

Thread now closed for new questions.

This is a non-live Q&A: we’ll be collecting your questions until midday on Thursday March 11, and the answers will be posted up on this thread on Wednesday March 17. [EDIT: Due to new guidance which came out on Wednesday, the questions will be posted later in the week.]

So if you have any questions at all about the vaccine, now's your chance to ask 'em. When are you likely to get the jab? Do you have questions about how pregnancy and breastfeeding affect your eligibility? How were the jabs developed? How has the government and vaccine experts planned out the stages in which the population is vaccinated? What's the best way to encourage reluctant people take up the offer? Are there any common side effects?...

The experts answering your questions will be:

Dr Nikki Kanani, a GP in south-east London and Medical Director of Primary Care for NHS England and NHS Improvement. Nikki has held a range of positions within healthcare and with her sister she co-founded STEMMsisters, a social enterprise supporting young people to study science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine.

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, the first Chief Midwifery Officer in England. She has worked as a midwife and a nurse and held senior positions in clinical practice, education, leadership and management.

Professor Lucy Chappell, a consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She chairs the RCOG vaccine steering group, which is working to co-ordinate messaging for clinicians and women around COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and fertility. Lucy is also a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Professor in Obstetrics at King’s College London and runs a research programme investigating prediction and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in women with pre-existing co-morbidities such as chronic hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam currently works as a Consultant Medical Epidemiologist in the Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England. Her main areas of responsibility include the national surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) and providing expert clinical advice on vaccine related issues.*

So please do add all your questions here by Thursday March 11 midday and we look forward to posting up the answers next week.

As always, please remember our guidelines - please keep it civil, and if one topic is dominating a thread, we might request that people don't continue to post what's effectively the same question or point. Rest assured we will ALWAYS let the guest know that it's an area of concern to multiple users and will encourage them to engage with those questions.

And with that it’s over to you for your questions.

Thanks
MNHQ

*edited to reflect that Dr Mary Ramsay was not able to partake and was replaced by Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam.

@MilesJuppIsMyBitch

Thanks MNHQ.

My question relates to the small study reported today: the one from King's College London and Francis Crick Institute research team, showing that the Pfizer vaccine was significantly less effective for cancer patients than for the general population after one dose.

Broadly, I'd like to understand more about the practical implications, as I'm in the affected group.

I actually had the AZ vaccine, but am still very concerned.

Hello @MilesJuppIsMyBitch

Currently there is no agreed antibody level that correlates with protection and therefore the definitive evidence is the effectiveness of the vaccines against things such as a reduction in hospital admissions and prevention of deaths.

PHE has demonstrated high level of protection against hospital admissions in those aged 70 years and above following the first dose of either COVID vaccine used in the national programme. These data are fed back regularly to JCVI,which advises the government on vaccine use and prioritisation, regularly reviews data and evidence on vaccine efficacy and effectiveness.

In addition to these studies, PHE is monitoring antibody responses following up individuals for up to two years after they have received either the Pfizer/BioNTech or Astra Zeneca vaccine as part of the national programme, more on this study can be found here.

• Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam

@JustAnotherBrick

I have multiple autoimmune disorders and I am always worried about vaccines triggering yet another one (have always worried my coeliac was triggered by a flu jab as I can’t attribute it to anything else).

Has there been any research into the effect of the vaccine on autoimmune disorders? (I am aware that Covid itself could also be a trigger)

Hi @JustAnotherBrick

A collaborative research project called OCTAVE will seek to understand the immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with certain immunosuppressed conditions. The research will involve groups in the Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham, Oxford, Liverpool, Imperial College London and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

• Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam

@swampusdonkus

Hi, I have an autoimmune condition and take daily steroids and a Biologic. This put me in the CEV group. I had my first dose of the vaccine (Ox/AZ) at my surgery and the nurse who gave the vaccination said I might need a third dose to 'top up' as the medication and my condition might make the vaccine less effective.

Is this a new protocol for people with autoimmune conditions who take certain immunosuppressants? I'd not heard of a third dose booster so wondered if this is something that has been recommended by vaccine developers/medical experts based on the vaccine trials and subsequent research or whether it is just a precautionary measure? I am in Wales. Thanks if you can answer this.

Hello @swampusdonkus

Currently there is no recommendation to offer a third dose to individuals with specific underlying conditions or those on immunosuppressive treatments. More evidence is needed to understand whether a seasonal vaccination or booster dose might be needed and in which groups an additional dose would be of benefit

• Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam

@MegaBeach

“What sort of research is currently being undertaken to measure responses beyond 3 weeks in those individuals who had the Pfizer response, as I understand most of the countries who have used it to date still used the 3 week interval?“

This. I’m really worried as a recent article in the Lancet is expressing concern against this strategy.

Also, I was given my (Group 6,CV) Pfizer vaccine at a centre booked by my gp. How will they plan to match up the 2 doses? We didn’t get second appointments yet, and were told the gps would arrange it, but the centre I went to said they never knew until the day of what vaccine they would be administering (I wasn’t asking, the registration person was just very chatty)

Hi @MegaBeach

For both vaccines the data shows that considerable protection is given after the single dose and the second dose completes the course. We follow the advice of the clinicians on the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation in how and who we offer the vaccinations to. The World Health Organisation have recommended the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and endorsed the UK’s approach to dosing intervals.

Public Health England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency are continually monitoring and collecting data on the vaccines and the efficacy.

PHE is undertaking follow up of vaccinated individuals collecting serial blood samples from individuals who have received either the Pfizer of AZ vaccine to monitor antibody levels over time. These data are regularly fed back to the UK JCVI who are responsible for advising government on vaccine policy.
More details are available here (page 20 CONSENSUS study)
www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccine-surveillance-strategy

In February PHE found that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine reduces infection risk in healthcare workers by >70%, two doses by 85%. An in a separate study by Public Health Scotland, they found that one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine reduces risk of hospitalisation by 94% (all ages, 4 weeks after dose).

When you receive your first vaccination, a record is made in the clinical system where you receive your vaccine: your GP practice, or vaccination centre for example. When it comes to having the second dose, every effort is made to determine which vaccine someone has received and to complete the course with the same vaccine. In the unusual instance for people who started the schedule and who attend for vaccination at a site where the same vaccine is not available, or if the first product received is unknown, it is reasonable to offer one dose of the locally available vaccine to complete the schedule. This option is preferred if the individual is likely to be at immediate high risk or is considered unlikely to attend again. In these circumstances, as the vaccines are based on the spike protein of the virus, it is likely the second dose will help to boost the response to the first dose.

• Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam

@Tambourina

When I have had my 2nd vaccine in April how safe will it be for me to go out and about?

I'm CEV and haven't been into a shop for over a year!

Hello @Tambourina

I know from my own patients and friends how tough life has been over the last year, particularly if you’ve needed to shield.

The exciting news is that you already have a high level of protection from your first dose, and the second will make that even stronger, as well as longer-lasting.

What that doesn’t mean yet though is that we can go straight back to how things were. Whether you are vaccinated or not, we all need to carry on following all the guidance in place until we’re told otherwise.

The Government has obviously set out its roadmap for removing restrictions for the wider population, and we expect that guidance for those who are currently shielding will come shortly.

• Dr Nikki Kanani

@Nousernamesleftatall

Does the vaccine stop you from catching Covid? Does it stop you passing Covid on?

Hi @Nousernamesleftatall

The main purpose of the vaccine is to help your body fight off a Covid-19 infection if you come into contact with it – essentially to help you stay alive and out of hospital. The evidence shows that both of the vaccines we are using in the NHS are really effective at that.

The early signs look positive, but what we don’t have good enough evidence for yet is whether they reduce your chances of having Covid, or of passing it on.

Don’t forget you can also pass on Covid-19 without being infected – for example by touching one infected surface and then transferring it to another one. That’s why it’s so important that we all, whether we’ve had the vaccine or not, continue to follow all the guidance in place for the time being.

@WaverleyPirate

Two adult asthmatic children. They live in different locations.

One called for vaccine and the other not. Why the difference?

Hi @WaverleyPirate

Assuming both of your children have asthma at the kind of level that would place them in the at-risk category we are vaccinating now, they should hopefully both have now had their first invite.

The at-risk group is the biggest group we have set out to vaccinate yet, with over six million people falling within it. For the most part people in this group have been invited by local GPs and their teams, as quickly as the supplies we have allow.

There are more than 1,000 different GP-led vaccination services across England, so while there will naturally be some variation in how they handle their patient lists, I can promise you that every area is getting its fair share of supply, and every local team is doing their absolute best to get vaccines out of fridges and into the arms of those who need it most as quickly as possible.

@Riv12345

Hi I'm medium risk.

I have had covid plus both vaccines am I safe to work with covid patients?
I have been moved to a non covid ward. But I had my second vaccine yesterday.
I just want to go back to my own ward. But they still have covid patients on there.

Surely I am safe now??

Hi @Riv12345

Obviously I don’t know all of your personal circumstances so I really couldn’t say.

If you work in the NHS then it’s likely that you have had a risk assessment which has led to you being redeployed to keep you safer, particularly over this last few months which have seen infection levels spike again.

These risk assessments are designed to be an ongoing conversation rather than a decision at one point in time that lasts forever, so it’s worth picking up with your line manager or occupational health rep and having another conversation, given that in a week or two your protection from the vaccine will be at full strength.

@Xenia

I have just received a call for the first one but have not decided yet. I would like to know as far as we can tell:-

How long are the effects of the vaccination likely to last?

Eg I think some people are immune after having had covid 19 for 4 - 6 months. Would the vaccination be longer than that? I have seen a doctor for 7 minutes in 15 years and do not seem to catch things and do not socialise much. I feel the luckiest person for health in the UK for a woman in her 50s. I am grateful every day I wake up.

So I am weighing up likely side effects as both my siblings (a doctor etc) had very nasty side effects and chances of catching covid 19 this summer. I have had all the childhood vaccinations and even paid £400 so my youngest 2 children could have the BCG, but am not so sure about this one and have never had the flu vaccination either. I tend to avoid things unless I need them. I have limbs because my mother refused thalidomide in 1961 when offered it when pregnant with me. I have never even taken the contraceptive pill and take a headache pill about once every 10 years. I don't drink or smoke and am pretty careful what I put into my body.

I suspect with this vaccination programme every winter like with flu we will offer the old and vulnerable one and not bother with the summer as it is in winter NHS hospitals get full. If the vax will wear off on me by the Autumn given the chances I catch covid this summer are so slim it seems a bit pointless. My neighbour is similar - nearly 90 nd never ie absolutely never ever leaves the house and I think has decided not to have it as she sees no one. (She is also cleaning down food on arrival )

Hi @Xenia

We’re getting more evidence on this all the time, but at the moment it’s still too early to know for sure how long protection will last and who – if anyone – might need to come back for boosters.

I know side effects are a worry for some people, but they are very, very rare, and where they do happen in most cases they are mild and short-lived. What I say to my patients who ask about this is that using any medicine is about balancing the risks with the benefits.

Bluntly, there are thousands of people in hospital at the moment who probably thought that Covid wouldn’t affect them much. The average age of people in intensive care is 60, but people much younger have been seriously ill and died too, with thousands more still suffering the effects of Long Covid after what might have been a mild initial case. If we’ve learned anything from this last year, it’s that nobody is really safe.

On a happier note we know that the vaccines we have offer really high levels of protection from the virus even just two weeks after the first dose, and we’re already seeing the benefits of that in terms of fewer people needing hospital care.

By then coming back for the second dose when you’re called, the evidence shows that this will give stronger and longer protection – that’s why it’s really important that you do come back and have that booster dose at 12 weeks.

So in summary, my advice would be to get your vaccine as soon as you can. And if you’re still unsure, I’d recommend speaking to a healthcare professional – whether your GP or a practice nurse – to explore it further.

@JulesJules

I had significant side effects after my first dose of the OxAZ vaccine, most of which lasted over two weeks and I've still got a stiff neck and sore jaw, 5 weeks on. Is it likely that I'll have the same reaction to the second dose, might it be better (or worse )? Why do side effects vary so much?

Hi @JulesJules and @D0ntAtMe

I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences.

The first thing to say is, if you haven’t already, please do report these side effects. The MHRA Yellow Card scheme is how you do this – you may have been given the details when you were vaccinated, but if not the link is: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

As for your second dose, I strongly recommend that you discuss this in advance with a healthcare professional when you are called for your second dose. The general advice is that the vast majority of people should get their second dose because it increases and lengthens protection from COVID-19, but for the small minority who experienced a bad and/or long-lasting reaction this needs to be something you discuss and decide with a clinician, who will have access to your medical history.

@AdoraBell

Thank you!

I’m unsure about this because of the advice that has been issued.

About 30 years ago I had an adverse reaction. I was sleeping in an old caravan and took Piriton for hay fever. My throat closed up and I struggled to breath. Due to my mental health at that time I didn’t tell anyone.

Since then I have vaccinations for travel, to Latin America, without any adverse reaction.

I’m 53 and do want to have this vaccine, is likely to be unsafe for me?

Thank you.

Hi @AdoraBell

I would strongly recommend getting your appointment booked when you receive your invite, which should be any day now.

Before you are vaccinated you’ll have a discussion with a professional which will include previous allergies and if this raises any concerns you can agree on whether to proceed or not.

The general advice from the JCVI is that you should only not receive a vaccine if you’ve previously had a bad reaction to one of the ingredients of the vaccine you are offered, and vaccines and antihistamines are very different in terms of their make-up.

@herecomesthsun

As someone who is CEV because of bronchiectasis & complications, I'm aware that there is evidence that a past history of pneumonia can lead to a high level of risk with covid, second only to age as a risk factor.

I am wondering what is the current knowledge about which particular groups might have a poorer outcome even with the vaccine, especially respiratory related.

Hi @herecomesthsun (and I hope your name comes true)

Both of the vaccines we have were tested with people with a range of different health conditions and shown to offer high levels of protection across the board. People with respiratory conditions, as you and everyone else will be aware, are at particular risk of serious illness if you catch COVID-19, so if you haven’t had your first dose yet I would strongly urge you to do so as soon as possible.

But it’s important to know that none of the vaccines offer 100% protection (few, if any, vaccines would claim they do). Some people will still get poorly if they catch COVID-19 – that’s why as I’ve said we all need to continue to follow the guidance to reduce the amount of the virus circulating.

@nika1988

Hello! I have a question regarding priority for those who has history of gestational Diabetes. I was not initially included into the shielding list when everybody with GD were being sent a letter to shield and to book their vaccine. The reason for it is that I had gave birth abroad and therefore NHS did not have data about my GD. I have had quiet a severe case only controlled with insulin injections with both of my pregnancies. Also I have diagnosed insulin resistance prior to my pregnancies.

Since I've heard that people with the history of gestational
Diabetes are getting invitation letters I contacted my GP and asked them to put the data about gestational diabetes on my medical records, which they did. I've also read the information on the NHS website that people like me (who don't have any other underlying conditions) should not shield however they still will be prioritised for the vaccine. My GP told me to wait for my age group though. I just feel that I somehow missed out on the vaccine simply because my data was not recorded at the time.. I suffer from anxiety since March last year, following all the rules and trying my best not to get ill. I was really hopeful that I can get my vaccine soon, when I read the clarification on the NHS website about people like me. But it really upsets me that I can't get the vaccine now and have to wait quite a while for my age group.

Can you please clarify - was my GP right saying that I am not eligible for the vaccine at the moment? Thank you for you time

Hi @nika1988

I’m afraid it sounds like your GP is correct.

NHS Digital have confirmed that the shielding advice that went out to people with previous gestational diabetes was an error. A woman would only now be advised to shield if she had a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes, subsequent tests showed that she had developed type 2 diabetes since, and their weight was high. So unless you have any other conditions that would place you at higher risk, you will be called for a vaccine based on your age.

The good news is that my colleagues across the NHS are making really strong progress on getting through the age groups, so hopefully you shouldn’t have too much longer to wait before you are invited for your first dose.

@Rawmum30

If a person has chronic migraine, and has attacks on fifteen days per month, and if that person also is medicated for diverticulosis, would they be exempt from the vaccine for the purpose of travel within Europe and internationally? If that same person had fears of the the vaccines possible affects, could they show their exemption letter or cert’ in order to board aircraft and fly.

Are there any published figures for the amount of deaths worldwide, from having the vaccine.

Why are a number of medical staff, including consultants, refusing the vaccine.

Thank you

Hi @Rawmum30

The first thing I would say is, If you or anyone you know is worried about how the vaccine might interact with any medication you take, please talk to your GP team who will be able to offer advice specific to you, your condition and medical history.

These vaccines have a really good safety record – we wouldn’t be able to give them if they didn’t. They were tested on thousands of people of different ages, ethnic backgrounds and with different health conditions before being approved and although some people do have side effects, in almost all cases these are really mild and go away within a day or two.

You can find the last information about any side effects from the vaccine in the UK on the medicine regulator’s (MHRA) website here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-reactions/coronavirus-vaccine-summary-of-yellow-card-reporting

The best source of global vaccine data can be found on the World Health Organisations’ website here covid19.who.int/
More than nine in 10 frontline NHS staff have now had the first covid vaccine which is an amazing and still growing uptake. A vast amount of work is happening across the country to encourage as many people as possible take up the offer of a vaccine. We are asking any member of NHS staff who has not yet taken up the offer to speak to their employer about getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
On travel, the government is conducting a review of Covid status certification to explore how people can show they have had a negative test or been vaccinated, but no final decisions have been made. Travel abroad is not currently allowed, unless for specific purposes, but if you do need to travel, you need to consider any entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. You can go to this website more information on the current rules about leaving the UK: www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

@Mere1

I have chronic ITP which is observed but not treated. I have flu jabs and have never had any reaction. On 5th Feb I had my first dose Covid vaccination, AZ. 24 hours later I began to feel exhausted and ache in thigh and upper arm muscles. This has continued over the next 4+ weeks. I had a negative Covid test after 10 days. My GP ordered blood tests which, apart from platelet count, showed my body chemistry to be ‘reassuringly spot on’. My symptoms are those listed as short lived after the vaccination. I have rested. I have tried light exercise. I remain exhausted and aching. My appetite and sleep are fine. Is this linked to the AZ vaccine?

Hi @Mere1

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. I’m afraid I can’t diagnose a cause based on what you’ve told me, but given the proximity to getting the vaccine please do report your symptoms if you haven’t already. The MHRA Yellow Card scheme is how you do this – you may have been given the details when you were vaccinated, but if not the link is: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

@leftitlate37

THanks for doing this - when we are called up for a vaccine based on our age (no underlying conditions etc) are we actually going to be allowed to have it? Most of the guidance at the moment is only to have it if underlying conditions or work in high risk environment. Im NHS non-patient facing and 38; i feel like given my work environment and age I am at higher risk given the evidence available. Also ill be in 3rd trimester just when the world will be unlocked and im really concerned about the lack of social distancing etc for pregnant women who are currently deemed "vulnerable" in their 3rd trimester. Is this something i just have to discuss with my GP and they can say I can/can't have it, or if I want to have it having weighed up risks/benefits, will they let me when my turn comes?

Hi @leftitlate37

If you work for the NHS you should have had a risk assessment based on your role and any other relevant factors – if you haven’t I’d suggest discussing it with your line manage or occupational health rep.

Vaccines should only be considered for use in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks for the mother and baby. Women should discuss this with their GP, or other healthcare professional, and reach a decision based on individual circumstances.

While there is no reason to think that it would be unsafe for any pregnant woman to be vaccinated, until we get more data from trials we are not routinely offering it.

You would be able to get it after you have given birth. The advice is that there is no known risk in giving available COVID-19 vaccines to breastfeeding women, and you won’t need to break from breastfeeding when you do get the vaccine.

As ever, if you have further questions your midwife or GP would I’m sure be more than happy to discuss them with you.

@EmbarrassingMama

I am 32 years old and 11 weeks pregnant. I have no health issues at all, have never had gestational diabetes and am not overweight. I am not a carer for anyone.

Yesterday I received a text from the NHS calling me up for my vaccination. I was under the impression that I should not be vaccinated until my baby is born, but the NHS know I am pregnant (my pregnancy is registered, has been for 6 weeks and I'm under the care of midwives) and sent the text regardless.

My GP aren't accepting phone calls so I don't know whether I should ignore the invite (and wait until my baby is born), or go ahead on the basis they know I'm pregnant and still called me up.

Thanks for your help.

Hi @EmbarrassingMama, @LemonDrizzle44 and @russianred

In short, the answer for each of you is that you should discuss this with a healthcare professional. They’ll be able to take all your circumstances and history into account and advise you on the best course of action.

In general terms, the JCVI advice at the moment is that the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines can be offered during pregnancy only to those where a woman is at higher risk – either because of the job they do increasing their potential exposure to the virus, or a health condition which would mean that if you do catch Covid, it is likely to affect you worse.

Further trials are ongoing but at the moment, while there is no reason to think that it would be unsafe for any pregnant woman to be vaccinated, we are not routinely offering it.

@freyasmummy20

I work as a frontline health care worker and received my first Pfizer vaccine 6/1/21 when I was not aware I was pregnant. I am due to have my 2nd vaccine 24/03/21 but my trust advised that they are not in a position to vaccinate as they administer under PGD guidance that does not cover pregnancy . I discussed this with my GP and they too administer under a PGD directive and they have had advised to hold off until post pregnancy. I am just worried as to what I should do as I feel that I am still vulnerable with only 1 Pfizer vaccine. I would be grateful for any advice at all. I am 36 and don’t have any underlying health conditions but just with being a frontline worker. Thank you

Hi @freyasmummy20 - congratulations on your pregnancy!

While I can’t advise on your specific case, the advice at the moment is that a second dose should be delayed for pregnant women, unless as I’ve detailed above there are higher risk factors in play.

The PGD is based on the Green Book which says that “If a woman finds out she is pregnant after she has started a course of vaccine, she may complete vaccination during pregnancy if she is considered at high risk.” Being in a frontline role you may be eligible under this definition, so it might be worth another conversation with your Trust. Whoever administers this would need to do so under prescription or a Patient Specific Direction.

@LOU153C

I had an appointment for my COVID vaccine today at my GP’s surgery but as I am breastfeeding I was informed by the nurse, who was just about to do my vaccine, that I could not have the it and was told to come back when I had stopped breastfeeding. I explained that I thought breastfeeding mothers could now have the vaccine but the nurse informed me that there was not enough research and so I could not have the it. Please can you clarify whether breastfeeding mothers are able to have vaccine as the government guidelines now state they can.

Hi @LOU153C

The government advice says there is no known risk in giving available COVID-19 vaccines to breastfeeding women. Although women should be made aware of the lack of safety data about the vaccination in pregnancy, as the vaccine is not ‘live’ it cannot reproduce inside your body or spread to your breastmilk, so you should be reassured that you are protecting yourself while continuing to provide your baby with the benefits of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding women will now be offered vaccination if they are otherwise eligible – for example, if they work in health or social care, or have a health condition, or in future meet the age criteria for being offered vaccination. Women should not stop breastfeeding to be vaccinated.

@firsttimemummy321

Thank you :)

I am aware that when poorly antibodies pass through breast milk. I've had my first vaccination, is it likely I'm passing the antibodies to my breastfed child? (Nearly 1 so feeding a few times a day now if that makes a difference)

Hi @firsttimemummy321

We know that women pass helpful antibodies through their breast milk to their baby, which can help prevent illnesses in their baby. After COVID-19 infection, women have passed these antibodies in their breast milk, and these antibodies can help fight disease.

There is evidence to suggest that breastfeeding mothers who receive the flu jab can transmit protective flu antibodies through the milk to their newborn baby or child. There isn’t enough evidence to show that the COVID-19 vaccines do the same thing at this stage, but if antibodies are passed to the baby, this would help the baby fight off infection with COVID-19.

It is important to remember that infection with COVID-19 does not pose any serious risk to babies. The primary reason for getting vaccinated is to protect yourself and other vulnerable family members.

@Wateringcan27

Hello, I have heard conflicting advice. Is the vaccine recommended for nursing mothers? What are the risks? Also if you are TTC what is the advice? Many thanks.

Hi @Wateringcan27

The government advice says there is no known risk in giving available COVID-19 vaccines to breastfeeding women. Breastfeeding women will now be offered vaccination if they are otherwise eligible. Women should not stop breastfeeding to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines have no effect on fertility. If you are offered the vaccine while trying to conceive, this should not affect your decision about vaccination.

If possible, we recommend that you complete the course of vaccination before you become pregnant. However, if you become pregnant, you can complete the course of vaccination after the recommended time period or you can delay until after the first 12 weeks, which are most crucial for the baby’s development.

COVID-19 in pregnancy usually only results in mild symptoms, but if you have severe symptoms you may be more likely to require intensive care if you are pregnant, and there is an increased chance of preterm birth, so it is beneficial to receive your vaccine prior to or during pregnancy if you can.

@Hotcrossbundle

Do you have any information on what studies are currently being conducted on breastfeeding women and the vaccine, and when results might be released?

And what's your view on vaccine passports, given that groups such as pregnant women aren't currently advised to have the vaccine except in particular circumstances?

Thank you.

Hi @Hotcrossbundle

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding are already routinely and safely offered vaccines in pregnancy, for example to protect against influenza and whooping cough. Many of these vaccines also protect their babies from infection. These vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccines, are non-‘live’ vaccines, which are generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding: they do not replicate inside your body. However, specific evidence regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccination in breastfeeding and pregnancy is not yet available.

The RCOG and Royal College of Midwives, with leading academics across the UK, are calling on the UK government to support research studies to establish the suitability of approved COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Alongside these new studies, we will collect information on pregnant and breastfeeding women who are being vaccinated at the moment, which will help us to confirm that they are safe.

At present, there is no government proposal on vaccine passports. If any proposal is produced, we will review it and feed back with our perspective on how it affects pregnant and breastfeeding women.

@bitheby

I'm TTC and due to my age, I can't afford to take months off to have the vaccine. I work in the NHS, am not patient facing but am eligible for the vaccine. My employer's guidelines are still to take a break if trying to conceive.

Hopefully I will conceive soon so I would like to know what the up to date guidance is on having the vaccine either while TTC or in early pregnancy. Is there a difference between the vaccines for this issue?

Hi @bitheby

The latest advice is that women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay getting pregnant after having the vaccination. If possible, we recommend that you complete the course of vaccination before you become pregnant. However, if you do become pregnant after the first dose, then the second dose can still be given. You can choose to have this either after the recommended dose interval, or you may wish to delay until after the first trimester of pregnancy (12 weeks), the most crucial time for the baby's development.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation does not distinguish between different COVID-19 vaccines in its advice on vaccination, so it is appropriate to have either vaccine if you are eligible and have been offered vaccination and are pregnant.

@JLQ1020

Brilliant.

How does the vaccine impact those people both male and female trying to conceive or pregnant.

I want to vaccine as soon as I'm allowed it but I woukd be concerned if there is any impact on future fertility or conception

Thanks

Hi @JLQ1020

There is absolutely no evidence, and no theoretical reason, that any of the vaccines can affect the fertility of women or men.

We’re aware this myth has gained momentum, especially on social media, but claims of any effect of COVID-19 vaccination on fertility are speculative and not supported by any data.

We understand some women might have concerns because they feel the data in this area isn’t there at present, but what we want to stress is that scientifically there is no way that current vaccines would cause any impact on women's fertility. The vaccine enters the body, but then does not replicate or change any cells in your body, instead it asks your body’s immune system to respond to the ‘spike protein’ that looks like coronavirus by building up the immune response. It is also important that you consider the potential of COVID-19 to affect your short and long-term health when planning a pregnancy.

People of reproductive age are being advised by the government, and by professional bodies all over the world, to have the vaccine once they are eligible. This includes those who are trying for a baby and those thinking about having a baby, whether in the near future or in a few years’ time.

Huge thanks to the experts - Dr Nikki Kanani, Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Professor Lucy Chappell, and Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam - for answering all these questions and to the Department of Health and Social Care for facilitating this Q&A. We hope it's been helpful.

For more information, check out the Department of Health and Social Care's website. You can find the guidance for England here, Scotland here, Wales here, and Northern Ireland here.

Thanks

MNHQ