Last updated 12 January 2021
Women who are breastfeeding can be given the Pfizer/BioNTech or Astra-Zeneca Covid-19 vaccines which are currently authorised for use in the UK if they meet the other conditions for receiving the vaccine. We will update this page as further vaccines are authorised.
We recommend you consult your healthcare provider and any relevant Government guidance for further information, as well as guidance regarding your own circumstances. As with all medications La Leche League Leaders cannot offer advice about vaccines.
The following documents may be used as reference:
The Government guidance on Covid-19 vaccination: a guide for women of childbearing age, pregnant and breastfeeding:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-women-of-childbearing-age-currently-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-women-of-childbearing-age-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding
The Green Book which has the latest information on vaccines and vaccination procedures, for vaccine preventable infectious diseases in the UK:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948757/Greenbook_chapter_14a_v4.pdf
The Covid-19 vaccination programme Information for healthcare practitioners:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/949063/COVID-19_vaccination_programme_guidance_for_healthcare_workers_December_2020_V3.pdf
The patient group directive (PGD) which allows healthcare providers to administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/patient-group-direction-for-covid-19-mrna-vaccine-bnt162b2-pfizer-biontech
Updated advice on Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and women who are breastfeeding:
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/updated-advice-on-covid-19-vaccination-in-pregnancy-and-women-who-are-breastfeeding/
It has also been confirmed that you can donate milk to Hearts Milk Bank as normal after vaccination for Covid-19:
https://heartsmilkbank.org/milk-donation-and-covid-19-vaccination/