PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT BY 12:00 WEDNESDAY, 19 OCTOBER. Attendee links will be circulated ahead of the event.

All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to inform and encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19, flu and pertussis.

On 20 October Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwife for England, is hosting a masterclass for midwives and fellow NHS professionals, to give objective advice on vaccination, based on the best available evidence. National experts will give talks on the risks of COVID, flu and pertussis around pregnancy; the science behind vaccination; common questions and concerns; and what professionals can do to safeguard women, parents and babies.

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to raise questions and concerns in a Q&A.

Background:

See the national ask for maternity, pharmacy and GP services this Autumn as set out in the letter of 13 October 2022.

As set out in the recent planning letter of 18 August, the Government has accepted JCVI advice that COVID-19 Boosters should be offered this Autumn to all persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group – including pregnant women – because they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection in the Winter. Pregnant women are also eligible to receive vaccination against flu, as part of the programme that began on 1 September; and against pertussis as part of the year-round offer.

Due to limitations in the timeliness of national data on maternity, there will be no national call/recall system for pregnant women to receive their Booster against COVID-19. Local services must therefore ensure that all pregnant women are informed of their eligibility, as part of routine care.

Further information and guidance:

Leaflets on Autumn COVID-19 Boosters, COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy, and Flu and Pertussis in pregnancy are all available to order for free in English and to download in a range of languages and accessible formats.

Pregnant women across England can book a COVID-19 Booster appointment now using The National Booking System, on the basis of self-declaration. There will be no requirement to prove pregnancy status.
The COVID-19 booster vaccine dose should be offered at least 3 months after the previous dose.

Operational flexibility may be applied to maximise timely delivery of the autumn programme and in consideration of individual circumstances.

Questions about this event?

Name: Naomi
Email:england.maternitytransformation@nhs.net
Telephone:+447702425616