Pregnant women eligible for Covid Booster

[WeGoAgain123]

Hi all

I just thought I'd share this info with everyone as, perhaps like me, many of you missed the fact pregnant women qualify. I only found out by asking my midwife at my appointment today.

Obviously, as the same with all boosters, you aren't eligible until 6 months after your second dose.

Given the age of most pregnant women (and assuming you don't qualify due to health conditions or job) that won't be until early next year.

I'm 40 so my second dose was early July so I'll be due the booster in January.

It's put my mind at ease to have a top up as I enter my third trimester, I hope it this may help some others too x

This is fab news! I hadn't thought we were eligible, I should be able to get it in Jan too then.

Oh awesome! I only looked this up yesterday again as I thought they must include us eventually! I had my second dose mid-July, so should be due the booster mid-January :)

Where did you find this info? I've tried googleing it now and can't find it. Pregnancy isn't listed on the NHS website for groups that qualify for the booster.

Hi - that's great thanks. How do you get the jab then because when I try the NHS website it says not eligible but of course they don't know I'm pregnant, do you call your GP?

I think you're midwife might be mistaken... Sorry.

I know that they are reviewing it constantly but I believe for pregnant women they are focusing on getting the initial vaccines done as so many still haven't been vaccinated

I have had my booster and was told it is only as I am pregnant AND fall into one of the top 9 vulnerable categories or I wouldn't qualify

But you may find it's by trust or council?

I asked my midwife about this last week and she said I would only be eligible for a booster if I fell into one of the current risk groups, pregnancy alone doesn't qualify you.

This would be good news, but it is not what I’ve been told by my midwife, or anything that I’ve read on NHS guidelines etc

I went for my 20 week scan yesterday and my consultant told me that pregnant women are eligible for the booster. My hospital (North West) has opened a drop in clinic within the antenatal unit for you to go straight after your scan/appointments for either your covid jab or the booster 😊

@Nats7504

I went for my 20 week scan yesterday and my consultant told me that pregnant women are eligible for the booster. My hospital (North West) has opened a drop in clinic within the antenatal unit for you to go straight after your scan/appointments for either your covid jab or the booster 😊

That's great news! I'm north west too so maybe it's our area ahead of the curve

I got my booster 2 weeks after giving birth, I'm breastfeeding though so hopefully will still be passing on antibodies to my little one.

I’m 28 weeks and due for a booster already as I had some health conditions. My GP surgery strongly disagree that we can have a booster 🤣 I’m sure the guidance will be updated soon

I think it might vary by area, if your area has a drop in option you can turn up and ask for the booster.

I went to a drop in 2 weeks ago, and got my booster, so did my DP. There was a list of drop ins on our local council website - check and your area might do one.

I am due a booster and have been receiving letters due to pregnancy for around 6 weeks now. Perhaps its area by area?

It might be because OP is 40, and therefore age qualified

I really hope this is true. I know some GP surgeries are saying pregnancy puts you in an "at risk group" for covid, the same as it does for flu and so boosters should be offered, especially for those heading into their 3rd trimester who are most vulnerable to covid

Lots of mixed messages being given out. My midwife told me today I could drop in and get a booster in the same hospital. I am 39 and when I walked in they said I couldn’t have it unless I was staff or over 40 :-(
I turn 40 four days before my due date in early February….hope they open it up to 30somethings or all pregnant women before then!

@Drivingslowtosavefuel if you will soon be more than 6 months past your 2nd dose then it's worth having a chat with a pharmacy or your GP as they may well be able to get you a booster before you turn 40 if you're in your 3rd trimester.

Thanks @SouthwestSis - I think I will keep asking the GP and midwife and pharmacy as it does seem like a bit of a lottery depending on who you talk to and where you are, and I am in 3rd trimester and so close to 40, so would love to have it. Another pregnant friend in her 30s was also told by her midwife that she can have hers once she is 6 months past her last jab - so will see in a few weeks if she gets lucky or not.

We have a sign like that in the maternity ward too, but it refers to the first two jabs, as many pregnant women still haven't even had the first vaccine doses.

@WeGoAgain123

This was in my maternity hospital today when I went for my scan.

NW trusts are seemingly offering boosters to pregnant ladies.

Unfortunately this sounds like it's just the initial vaccines, otherwise they would have added 'booster' onto the sign (or it may just be your area offering boosters). I've checked the NHS website again today and it still says only pregnant with risk factors are eligible. Hopefully that will change though!