Dedicated pop-up clinics for pregnant woman to run across the Western Trust
The service has been set up to encourage mothers-to-be to get the Covid jab after health officials revealed more unvaccinated pregnant women are needing ICU care
Dedicated pop-up clinics for pregnant women to get their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine are running across the Western Health and Social Care Trust from today (Saturday).
It comes as Health officials said there has been an increase in the number of unvaccinated pregnant women needing ICU care and emergency cesarean section.
The Trust has said it intends to set up special arrangements to accommodate pregnant women and those who have delivered in the last 6 weeks to allow them to take up their vaccination as early as possible.
It is setting up special “Pop up” clinics which will be held during dedicated times at its three Mass Vaccination Centres, located at Foyle Arena, Derry/Londonderry, Omagh Leisure Centre and the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen.
These clinics will provide Pfizer first jabs to pregnant women on a “walk in” basis, with no appointment necessary.
During these dedicated clinics the centres will remain closed to the general public.
The clinics are to be held on the following dates/times:
1st dose venue
Foyle Arena Aug 14, 2pm - 5pm
Omagh Leisure Centre 18 Aug 21 1pm - 4pm
Lakeland Forum 24 Aug 21 1pm - 4pm
2nd dose venue
Shantallow Midwifery Hub 9 Oct
Omagh Primary Care Complex 13 Oct
South West Acute Hospital 19 Oct
Pregnant women attending the dedicated Pop-up clinics are reminded to wear a face covering (unless exempt for medical reasons), adhere to social distancing rules and bring along their Health and Care Number (HCN), ID (if possible) and their green maternity file.
Those women who have already delivered and returned their maternity record are asked to bring the baby’s PCHR red book.
Speaking about these dedicated clinics targeting pregnant women, Western trust Head of Midwifery & Gynae services, Maureen Miller, said: “The Western Trust is currently vaccinating people with their first dose at our mobile clinics.
“However, in order to give the earliest opportunity for pregnant women to have their vaccine, we have also arranged these dedicated “Pop up” clinics, which we hope will better meet their needs.
“We have observed an increase in the number of women testing positive for COVID-19 and requiring admission to hospital over the last few weeks.
“Whilst it’s rare for pregnant women to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19, it may be more likely later in pregnancy. If this happens, there’s a small chance your baby may be born early.
“It’s important to stop the spread of COVID-19 and therefore we advise pregnant women and those who have delivered within the last 6 weeks to come along to the pop-up clinic and get vaccinated.
“The Trust advises people who are vaccinated to continue to follow current national guidance including social distancing and wearing a mask.”
To find out about other pop-up clinics you can visit the Western Trust Vaccination Info page here.
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