Pregnant women have been urged to get vaccinated against covid and the flu.
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections such as flu. Having flu increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing more intensive care.
North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) recommended that all pregnant women have the flu and covid vaccines, whatever stage of pregnancy they are at. They are free for pregnant women.
According to NCIC, there is ‘strong evidence’ that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu or covid, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
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Rhia Heron, head of corporate communications, had all of her vaccinations in her recent pregnancy.
She said, "When you are pregnant, it's an exciting time but also nerve wracking as some things are out of your control.
“Having the vaccinations is something you can do for your baby and yourself to keep as healthy as possible."
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