DOCTORS and clinicians across Dorset have urged all expectant mothers to get their Covid jab as data shows the majority of pregnant women hospitalised nationally by the virus have not had their jab.

GP and clinical lead for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Dorset Dr Andy Rutland said “As a practising GP I would encourage all mums-to-be to get their jab.

"Vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective in pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.  

"We are seeing unvaccinated pregnant women becoming very poorly with COVID and being admitted to hospital.

“We have delivered over a million dose of vaccine across Dorset, and we are confident that we can prevent serious illness and complications by ensuring all pregnant women are vaccinated.

“Please book your jab as soon as you can.”

Calls have been echoed by England’s top midwife as the new figures reveal that no pregnant women with both doses of the vaccine had been admitted to hospital.

Since May, just three women had been admitted after having their first vaccine. In contrast, almost all (98 per cent) pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 had not been jabbed.

Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer for England, said:

“Vaccines save lives, and this is another stark reminder that the COVID-19 jab can keep you, your baby and your loved ones, safe and out of hospital.”

Since April, pregnant women have been offered the jab in line with their age cohort, and health leaders are calling on more younger adults to come forward and close the uptake gap.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives have both recommended vaccination as one of the best defences for pregnant women against severe COVID-19 infection, while the independent JCVI confirms the jab has been shown to be effective and safe.

Any pregnant women who have questions or concerns about the vaccine can speak to their GP, midwife or obstetrician to get more information and advice. Even if they have previously declined the vaccine, they can book an appointment to get their jab on the NHS National Booking Service website or call 119 between 7am and 11pm.