Latest data shows that 98% of pregnant women since May 2021 who were admitted to hospital were unvaccinated. 

The statistic was shared by the official NHS England and NHS Improvement Twitter account on Wednesday in an effort to encourage more pregnant women to receive the vaccine.

Weekly drop-in vaccination clinics for pregnant women are beginning in antenatal clinics at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and others across Worcestershire following a successful trial in Kidderminster.

The clinics will run from 9am to 1pm every Wednesday in Worcester from Wednesday, February 2.

The clinics are available for pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, breastfeeding women and partners.

Director of Midwifery at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Justine Jeffery, said: “COVID-19 rates are currently higher in Worcestershire than England’s average rate and can be serious for pregnant women.

"It is so important to have both doses of the vaccine and we are hoping these new vaccination clinics will further encourage pregnant women and women who have recently given birth to get their jabs.

“The clinics at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre’s Maternity Hub which run from 9am to 1pm on Tuesdays are continuing to be really successful, so we are delighted to be able to expand the offer to the Alexandra Hospital and Worcestershire Royal antenatal clinics.

"We are really grateful to the vaccination team from SW Healthcare who are supporting us to deliver all of these clinics.”

The NHS Acute Hospital Trust has advised that the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies and is recommended by NHS England, the National Childbirth Trust and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Patient Quality Manager at Worcester City PCN, Dave McDowell, said: It’s essential that women who are pregnant or are thinking about getting pregnant, come forward for their Covid-19 vaccine.

"Pregnancy puts you at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19, so it’s even more important that you come forward for your vaccine as soon as you’re able—as this protects both you and your baby.”

You can also book your coronavirus vaccination, here.