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National coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine surveillance report, including estimated number of hospitalisations and deaths prevented.

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Public Health England (PHE) has published its latest weekly COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report.

Data shows increase in number of pregnant women vaccinated

The latest PHE data shows that 62,311 women, who reported they were pregnant or could be pregnant at the time of receiving the vaccine, have come forward and received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, up to 31 July. This is an increase of 10,587 from 51,724 as of 18 July.

Of the latest total, 43,737 have received their second dose.

Severe illness due to COVID-19 is more likely in later pregnancy, although it is still uncommon.

As evidence about the safety of vaccination in pregnancy and the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women and their babies has increased, the NHS has been working hard with partners such as the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to encourage pregnant women to come forward.

Pregnant women who have already received their first dose of vaccine are recommended to come forward for their second dose of vaccine 8 weeks after their first dose.

The latest estimates also suggest that the vaccination programme has prevented over 82,100 hospitalisations in those aged 65 and over in England. Further data suggests that it has also prevented 95,200 deaths and 23,957,000 COVID-19 infections more widely.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said:

The UK’s phenomenal vaccination programme has made a life-changing difference to tens of millions of people across the country, and we’re quickly closing in on 100,000 lives being saved in England alone.

With 82,100 hospitalisations prevented in over-65s and almost 24 million infections prevented across England, the vaccines are continuing to keep all of us safe. It’s also hugely encouraging to see over 62,000 pregnant women taking up the offer and ensuring they and their babies are protected from this dangerous disease.

The vaccines are free and available at hundreds of locations around the UK – please get your jabs to secure this protection for yourself and your loved ones and help us reclaim our lost freedoms.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisations at PHE, said:

It is encouraging that thousands of women have now benefitted from the vital protection of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, many more may remain unvaccinated and we urge them to take up the offer.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for both you and your unborn baby and they are the best way to protect against COVID-19 related complications in pregnancy which can be serious, especially in your third trimester.

If you are pregnant and haven’t yet had your vaccine, make sure to book it in. It’s also vital that health professionals continue to talk to women about the benefits of vaccination and help to answer any questions they may have.

Dr Pat O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and Vice President at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:

We want to encourage all pregnant women to come forward for their vaccinations. It is very positive to see that the number of pregnant women who have been vaccinated is rising, but many more remain unvaccinated.

There is growing evidence that the vaccine is safe in pregnancy, and we want to reassure women that there is no link to an increased risk of harm to the baby, such as miscarriage, premature birth, growth problems, or stillbirth when having the vaccine.

We are seeing more unvaccinated pregnant women become seriously ill from COVID-19, and an increased number of women admitted to hospital and intensive care. The vaccine will help to protect both the mother and their baby from the potential effects of COVID-19.

Jessica Read, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said:

Mums-to-be naturally want what’s best for their baby and we know that many have been worried about getting vaccinated, but we also know that the vaccine is safe for pregnant women – with hundreds of thousands of expectant mums around the world having had the vaccine with no ill effects.

Pregnant women who catch COVID-19 are more at risk of becoming seriously ill, which can cause problems in pregnancy, so it’s vital they take up the ongoing NHS offer of a COVID-19 vaccination – protecting themselves and their babies from the virus.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said:

It’s positive to see more pregnant women are getting vaccinated. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect you and your baby against COVID-19. It really is that simple.

Hundreds of thousands of pregnant women worldwide have been vaccinated, safely and effectively protecting themselves against COVID-19 and dramatically reducing their risk of serious illness or harm to their baby.

If you have questions please talk to your midwife, obstetrician or GP. Get the answers you need and get the jab.

It is preferable for pregnant women in the UK to be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines where available, as these vaccines have been given to over 140,000 pregnant women in the US and the data has not raised any safety concerns.

Click here for the full press release