Kimberley nurse rolls up to boost awareness of vaccine safety for pregnant women

Kununurra registered nurse Pippa Collins recently received her COVID-19 booster dose, saying the decision to get vaccinated had brought peace of mind for herself and her children – including the bub she’s expecting in around 28 weeks.

Pippa has lived and worked in the Kimberley for more than seven years and wanted to share her experience to help other pregnant women.

“As a public health nurse, I’m aware of the many misconceptions circulating, but I’m also aware of the impact COVID would have on myself and my baby,” Pippa said.

“As a pregnant woman, I am so mindful of everything that might impact my unborn baby. I was nervous about being vaccinated, weighing up what was myths and what was fact.

“COVID-19 scares me, the disability and death it is causing, the long term impacts we still don’t know how long they will remain, co-morbidities or not.

“My question to myself was: if COVID-19 came to the Kimberley, and I lost this baby when there was a safe vaccine available, how would I reconcile this?

“The research demonstrates no increased risk of miscarriage following the COVID vaccination, and secondly, babies born to vaccinated mothers have a good level of protection against COVID-19.

“I actually had a sense of relief and peace of mind that I have done what I can to protect myself, my unborn baby, my family and community from COVID.”

Everyone aged five years and over is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone aged 16 years and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination at least three months ago is now eligible for a booster.

Booster doses are particularly important for anyone over 60 years old, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.

Vaccinations are available at clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional WA. To find your nearest location, visit rollup.wa.gov.au