GHA invites pregnant women in Gibraltar to consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19

The Health Authority has invited pregnant women in Gibraltar to consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19, following new advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Women who are considering trying to get pregnant, those who are already pregnant, and those who have given birth and are now breastfeeding are now all eligible for the vaccine.

The Ministry of Health says the change to the guidance comes after data from the US showed that 90 thousand pregnant women have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines, such as the Pfizer vaccine offered in Gibraltar, with no specific safety concerns raised.

Acting Medical Director, Dr Krishna Rawal, says the vaccine used in Gibraltar has undergone extensive clinical trials and has been approved as safe for use by the UK's Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, as well as European healthcare regulators. Dr Rawal added that recent data shows that, although this is still uncommon, severe illness due to COVID-19 is more likely in later pregnancy, and that pregnant women who get symptomatic COVID-19 are two to three times more likely to give birth prematurely.

Dr Rawal says pregnant women may wish to consider discussing whether to get the vaccine with their GP, obstetrician or midwife, or with the GP on duty at the vaccination centre on 200 66966.