Glasgow woman who had two ‘pandemic’ babies urges more mums-to-be to get vaccinated

Ali Hair, who is a nurse on a surgical ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is mum to Solomon (17 months) and three-month-old Iris. When she was pregnant with her son there were no vaccines available but Ali jumped at the chance to get one in January 2021. She had her second in March when she was a few weeks pregnant with Iris, followed by her booster in September.

Ali said: “Pregnancy is a very worrying time, but even more so in a pandemic. But I had no hesitation in getting my vaccinations, to protect me, my baby, my family and of course my patients. It’s not new technology; we have had flu jags for years. It’s just a different vaccine and there is strong evidence behind it.

“Pregnant women are at risk of becoming sicker with the virus than other women of the same age and many have been hospitalised. Some have even had to be delivered early and that’s never something you want.

“I’m not sure if that was the reason but myself and the babies managed to escape catching Covid at Christmas when our whole family got together. My partner Christopher also escaped it. Twelve out of sixteen people got it, but we were fine.

“I do understand why some women may have reservations as pregnancy is a worrying time, but it was the right decision for me and my family and made me feel protected.”

NHSGGC Director of Public Health, Linda de Caestecker said: “We encourage all pregnant women to get their vaccinations – it’s the best protection you can get for you and your baby. The vaccine is safe for women at any stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding so please come forward for jabs if not already protected.”