PREGNANT women in Bradford are being urged to get their Covid booster to protect them and their baby.

The boosters are being offered to all those at higher risk from Covid to maximise their protection ahead of winter, when viruses circulate most and can cause greatest harm.

Pregnant women are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 and this can cause complications, including premature birth and stillbirth. 

Karen Dawber, Chief Nursing Officer at Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust, said: “When you become pregnant, your immune system weakens which makes it harder to fight off infections and puts you at greater risk of developing serious illness.

“Immunity from the vaccines reduces over time, so the booster will top up your protection levels and help keep you and your baby safe this winter.

“If you’ve not had the vaccine yet, you can have it safely at any time during your pregnancy.”

Covid-19 vaccines can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119.

Tabitha Lawreniuk from Bradford, who is now pregnant with her second child, said: “My son is now one and thriving so I didn’t hesitate to get my booster when it was offered to try to keep this baby as safe as my first.”