A bespoke vaccine clinic, which is understood to be the first of its kind in Scotland, will arrive at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit (AMU) this weekend.

The clinic will be held at AMU, located at University Hospital Crosshouse, this Saturday, August 28 from 9am to 5pm.

Women at any stage of their pregnancy or who have recently delivered their baby and who have not yet had a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine or are due their second dose are invited to attend on a drop-in basis.

The clinic offers women in this group the chance to receive their vaccination where they also access other maternity services.

READ MORE: NHS Ayrshire and Arran urging pregnant women to get vaccinated

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Associate Director of Nursing, Women and Children’s Services Attica Wheeler said: “We are keen to help support women to make an informed choice about vaccination against the coronavirus. There can be more severe symptoms if the virus is contracted during pregnancy and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is recommending vaccination to offer protection against the negative impacts of COVID-19.

“The AMU is a familiar environment for pregnant ladies and women who have recently delivered their babies and service users attend for a number of routine maternity appointments. We want to take this chance to provide vaccinations at the AMU, which means that service users can get information and advice from a trusted source as they make the decision on whether or not to be vaccinated.

“Vaccination is a personal choice, it is not mandatory. We have seen a small number of unvaccinated pregnant women requiring to be admitted because of COVID-19 though, so we want to get the message out that you get the best protection by having your vaccine and it is safe to do so.”

Information on pregnancy, fertility and the vaccine is available in a number of different languages and formats here.

Pregnant women in Ayrshire can also access vaccinations at the location most convenient to them. There are drop-in clinics taking place at mass vaccination centres in numerous locations over the coming days and weeks.