COVID-19 vaccination now available for pregnant women between 14 and 36 weeks

Pregnant women between 14 and 36 completed weeks gestation are now being offered an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), following a recent NIAC recommendation. The HSE is encouraging  pregnant women to take up the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered. 

All 19 maternity hospitals/units in Ireland are currently contacting pregnant women, offering them a consultation to discuss the vaccine with their obstetric caregiver. This could be a midwife, GP or obstetrician. Following this consultation, people can be vaccinated by the hospital or can be referred to a vaccination centre.

Dr Peter McKenna, National Clinical Director of the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme explains, “The information we have so far shows that the COVID-19 vaccines do not have any negative effect on babies in the womb. We would strongly encourage people to consider taking up their vaccine when offered as it greatly reduces the chances of you becoming unwell from the COVID-19 virus.”

Dr McKenna added, “Unfortunately the process of vaccinating pregnant women has been hampered by the cyber attack on the HSE’s IT system over the last week. Maternity units have had to come up with innovative ways to contact women about their vaccine, as they are without access to Patient Information Systems, or the Electronic Health Record that supports the hospitals. Many maternity hospitals have set up helplines for pregnant women who wish to access this pathway.”

“Based on the information we have, so far over 12,000 women have had a consultation with their obstetric caregiver about a COVID-19 vaccine. In excess of 3,800 women have either received a vaccine, or have an appointment for a vaccine during week commencing 24th May.”

Most maternity hospitals/units are now having the vaccine discussion with women at their booking visit (12 to 14 weeks gestation) and registering the woman’s interest in the chart so that they can be booked for a vaccine.

Factual and updated information on the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the HSE website. The HSE encourages all women to read the information, and to discuss vaccination with their obstetric caregiver.