Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) assess and (b) reduce covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) updated their advice on 19 April, which indicates that women who are pregnant should be offered vaccination at the same time as non-pregnant women, based on their age and clinical risk group.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy data, including for among pregnant women, is monitored by the Office for National Statistics, recording the reasons given for vaccine refusal. Two of the available response options are related to pregnancy and fertility.

Our vaccine toolkits for local services, stakeholders, partners and employers cover information around pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility concerns to reduce hesitancy. We have sourced and shared case stories of women of childbearing age who have been vaccinated before, during or after pregnancy to reassure women. NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Chief Midwifery Officer and ‘media medics’ have made appearances on consumer and lifestyle media to reassure people about their concerns. We have also supported local webinars and engagement sessions focused on women’s vaccines concerns and have also been tailored to specific demographic groups. Women can also speak to their general practitioner practice or maternity service if they have any questions about the vaccine or can talk to a healthcare professional at their appointment.