You can have vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding, NHS Devon says

The NHS in Devon is seeking to reassure women that they can still have the vaccine if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Several myths surrounding the vaccine have been circulating on social media recently, but the NHS wants to make sure people know that there's no evidence the vaccine will affect your fertility, your chances of becoming pregnant, or for the vaccine to pass through breast milk to your baby.

According to government advice, the vaccine can actually offer the best protection against COVID-19 for pregnant women, as the virus can be serious for those in the later stages of pregnancy.

Susan Masters, NHS Devon CCG Deputy Chief Nurse, said: "The virus can make women very unwell in the later stages of pregnancy.

"It is really important to discuss having the vaccination with your GP, midwife or at your appointment so that you can make an informed decision.

"There is misinformation circulating on social media, which may make some people anxious that having the vaccine may affect fertility or may be passed through to breastmilk, but please be reassured that it won't affect your ability to have a family or grow your family in the future and there is no plausible mechanism for the vaccine to be passed through breast milk."

The government advises that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferable for pregnant women and for people under 40.

The National Booking Service online automatically offers appointments with the appropriate vaccines for people aged under or over 40, and for those who are pregnant.

Pregnant women can discuss the benefits and potential risks at their appointment, and can also speak to a GP or their maternity team for advice.

Detailed government advice on pregnancy, fertility and breastfeeding says that anyone who has already started vaccination and is offered a second dose whilst pregnant should have a second dose with the same vaccine, unless they had a serious side-effect after the first dose.