Has anyone had their 2nd COVID vaccine dose brought forward due to pregnancy

[RosemaryRosemary]

I was hoping to get my 2nd COVID vaccine dose brought forward due to pregnancy, particularly in light of "freedom day" on the 19th of July.

I called up the NHS hotline and despite being provided with an information leaflet at my 1st jab highlighting the risks of COVID to pregnant women, they noted they did not consider pregnant women on the vulnerable list for an expedited 2nd jab. They told me to contact my GP who advised they had no influence in vaccine timings.

What are other people's experiences?

I managed to go to a walk in centre 21 days after my first dose and they gave it to me. So that’s always an option?

Yes, I got an email saying I could bring it forward. It’s now three weeks earlier than I was going to get it- I wasn’t able to book anything sooner. I assumed I got the email because I’m in my third trimester.

I went on the NHS website and there where appointments available before my second one. So I cancelled and rebooked 3 weeks earlier which was almost exactly 8 weeks after my first

I had my original jab booked through my GP and I rang them to try and bring forward my second dose but they wouldn’t. However, I then saw that I could book my second jab through the NHS booking system - I did this for the 12 weeks. However I noticed you could cancel and rebook for much sooner, they even give you the option of checking appointment availability before cancelling your existing appointment which was very useful! Might be worth seeing if you could do it like this?

Has anyone had AstraZeneca vaccine whilst pregnant? I got pregnant between jabs and been told I cant swap to another vaccine even though they arent giving AZ to pregnant women - but i'm concerned about the risk and 0 data compared to Pfizer and Moderna x

@RosemaryRosemary I've had no luck in brining mine forward before the 8 week gap so far. I tried a walk in centre and they refused me. I originally booked through my GP so called reception and again they wouldn't let me bring it forward. I'll keep calling and asking, maybe I'll get lucky and have a person who agrees to bring it forward. But it is super frustrating! May try the book online method, cancel and rebook for a closer date but doubt that would be sooner than when my 8 weeks will be.

Keep an eye on your hospital if they are doing vaccine clinics with pregnancy walk ins. The hospital my maternity unit is in were running a vaccine clinic at the end of June with priority walk ins for pregnancy. This just happened to be a weekend when they were pushing nationally to vaccinate as many as possible. So long as it was four weeks after first pregnant women could get second so I just realised went and they saw me no problem. Otherwise I would have had to wait until 8 weeks.

Yes! 6.5 week gap.

I tried one walk in and they said no. One 15 mins away said yes.

It’s worth messaging your local walk in centres x

Ive rebooked mine via the NHS booking text message. I just cancelled my 2nd vaccine appointment which was 12 weeks after my first and I could move it 4 weeks earlier so I only have an 8 week gap.

I would contact your midwives. In my area (Manchester) my local hospital are bringing 2nd jabs forward for pregnant women. It's a hospital policy rather than a govt one.

Update: went to a walk in clinic and they will not vaccinate me prior to an 8 week wait (currently at 6.5). No priority given to pregnant women

@RosemaryRosemary that's sad to hear. Sounds like we're in a similar position.

I did text my midwife asking about this but have received no reply yet, doubt she'll have any good news for me.

I’ve been able to bring mine to 8 week gap via the NHS booking system, but I believe that option is available to everyone. I will be therefore getting my second dose at around 30 weeks.

It’s an absolute travesty that pregnant women are considered vulnerable but not prioritised for vaccination. It seems sadly inevitable that there will be an increase in premature births and in serious illness amongst pregnant women in the coming months as cases continue to rocket. We’re sitting ducks and I don’t feel like anyone gives a damn.