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Mums-to-be encouraged to get four types of vaccination
25/09/2024
A new drop-in maternity immunisation hub is being run at the Horton General Hospital
Pregnant women are being encouraged to get four types of vaccination to better protect themselves and their baby ahead of the winter months.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, COVID-19 and flu injections are all recommended during pregnancy.
Women can get their vaccinations at a newly-created dedicated drop-in maternity immunisation hub being run at the Horton General Hospital, weekdays from 9am to 5pm. There is no need to book and combining getting vaccinated at the same rime as attending hospital antenatal appointments is possible.
The RSV vaccine, which is given between 28 and 36 weeks, is being rolled out for the first time. Alongside this, the whooping cough vaccine (from 16 weeks pregnant) and both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are also available – the latter two being offered at any point during pregnancy.
Information about vaccinations should be provided at antenatal appointments. Women who are unsure about the vaccines, or how to get them, should speak to their midwife or GP for advice.
Vaccinations during pregnancy are important because a women’s immune system – the body’s natural defence – is weakened to protect the pregnancy, meaning they are less able to fight off infections.
All of the vaccines are inactive, which means they do not contain a live version of the virus it is protecting against, and they cannot give the mother or the baby the virus.
Amanda Lee, Matron for Maternity Public Health at OUH, said: “By vaccinating expectant mothers against RSV, whooping cough, COVID-19, and flu, we can help protect both them and their babies from these potentially dangerous infections.
“These vaccines, which are routinely offered during pregnancy, are safe and effective.
“We are delighted to offer all four vaccinations through our two immunisation hubs, ensuring they are as accessible and convenient as possible for women.”
A drop-in maternity immunisation hub is also running at the John Radcliffe in Oxford on Level 4 – the Women’s Centre, Monday to Saturday.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam