Usher Institute

COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women

To date, no serious pregnancy-related adverse events have been reported following vaccination.

The latest data from the COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland (COPS) study has been published by Public Health Scotland (PHS). The data shows the number of pregnant women who have received a COVID-19 vaccination in Scotland.

The data

Between December 2020 (the start of the vaccination programme) and the end of May 2021, 4,090 COVID-19 vaccinations were given to 3,698 pregnant women in Scotland. 3,013 (74%) were first doses and 1,077 (26%) were second doses.

To note, this was at no specific point in their pregnancy, including all stages. 1,895 (46%) vaccinations were given in the first trimester of pregnancy; 1,325 (32%) were given in the second trimester; and 870 (21%) were given in the third trimester. 2,840 (69%) of the vaccinations given were Pfizer-BioNTech; 159 (4%) were Moderna; and 1,091 (27%) were Oxford-AstraZeneca.

Key findings

There is no evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe for pregnant women; all approved vaccines can be given in pregnancy. This also applies for specific circumstances, such as if the first dose was received prior to pregnancy, then the course should still be completed within the appropriate timeframe.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), women who are pregnant in Scotland are being invited to receive their COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as other women within their priority group.

It is encouraging to note that, to date, no serious pregnancy-related adverse events following vaccination have been reported. These results are incredibly important as the vaccination programme continues, with younger women of reproductive age now being invited for vaccination.

Dr Rachael Wood Consultant at Public Health Scotland, COPS Co-Lead and Affiliate Member of the Usher Institute

For further information, you can learn more at:

COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women - PHS

COPS

Through using healthcare data from across Scotland, the COPS study seeks to provide detailed information on how common COVID-19 infection is in pregnancy and how it might impact the health of mothers and babies. The study also monitors the uptake, effectiveness, and safety of COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnancy. The study is co-led by Dr Sarah Stock and Dr Rachael Wood.

Visit the COPS webpage to find out more 

The COPS study is connected to the EAVE II study.

EAVE II | The University of Edinburgh