Free flu jabs available to expectant mums at Pyramids drop-in centre
30th January 2018
No appointment necessary at Mums & Midwives
With cases of flu increasing across the local area, Pyramids Shopping Centre is urging pregnant women under the care of Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s community midwives to receive a free vaccination at the Mums & Midwives shop.
Recently there has been a rise in people across the region contracting flu. This has prompted the shopping centre to remind expectant mothers that the NHS drop-in centre – on Milton Pavement – provides free flu jabs to patients under its care without having to book a GP appointment first.
“It has been all over the papers recently about how quickly the flu bug is spreading throughout our communities,” said Derek Millar, Centre Director at Pyramids. “If you’re visiting the centre and are expecting – but haven’t been vaccinated yet – we’d like to suggest you pop in and see the wonderful team at Mums & Midwives who will help and advise.”
Jemma Jones, co-ordinator at Birkenhead Community Midwives, was involved in setting up Mums & Midwives eight years ago. She explained that flu poses a high risk for pregnant women as it has the potential to increase complications as the pregnancy develops.
She said: “The jab is available at any stage of pregnancy, but as an aggressive strain of the flu bug is still around, we do encourage that preventative measures are taken sooner rather than later.
“The vaccine will also offer some protection for the baby too, which can last through the first few months of his or her life,” Jemma continued. “Even if you had the jab last year, viruses that cause flu are prone to change, so we recommend having it again.”
Mums & Midwives is an antenatal care service, which offers a drop-in clinic for the first four weeks of pregnancy, with booked appointments scheduled thereafter. Jemma explained that more than 100 women and their families come through its doors each week.
She said: “We aim to make midwifery more accessible to the public and provide an alternative option for those in need of some quick reassurance.
“For many, pregnancy is like stepping into the unknown and we’re here to make sure people are aware that they do have choices when it comes to their own care or that of a loved one.
“We offer a relaxed, friendly environment and a space where everyone who comes to see us feels at ease asking as many questions as they need,” Jemma continued. “This allows users of our service to be confident in taking ownership of their health and helps reduce any perceived patient-caregiver barriers.”
Jemma also added that it has a tailored support service available not only to mums, but dads and grandparents too. With a play area for the littles ones and a private breastfeeding room, its inclusivity and convenient location within Pyramids means families on a day out at the shopping centre can maximise their time.
Centre director, Derek, was full of praise for Jemma and her team. He said: “We’re really proud to have Wirral Community Midwives providing a service here at Pyramids. The team works very hard to provide this invaluable family-oriented service and it is becoming very popular now people know how much support is on offer.
“It’s location right in the heart of town makes it much easier for many to access information and treatment while they’re out and about shopping. We hope to welcome even more mums-to-be and their families soon.”
Women under the care of The Wirral community midwives are eligible to receive their free flu jab at Mums & Midwives, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm at Pyramids Shopping Centre.