Edwina Bartholomew has opened up about her decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine after announcing her pregnancy.
The Sunrise presenter revealed she’s pregnant with her second child with husband Neil Varcoe live on air last week.
Now she’s taken to Instagram to reveal that she has received her first Pfizer jab and will receive her second while pregnant.
Posting a snap of her arm with a cotton ball taped over the site of her vaccine, Edwina shared some facts about pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccines.
Edwina shared her decision to get vaccinated on Instagram.
(Instagram)“Pfizer is the recommended vaccine for pregnant women,” she penned.
“Pregnant women are now FINALLY on the priority list for Pfizer. It took me ages to find an appointment. Hopefully it will be easier for you.”
The pregnant 38-year-old added that there are serious health risks for pregnant women who contract COVID-19, which is more likely if they’re unvaccinated.
On Instagram, she wrote that contracting the virus while pregnant makes women five times more likely to needing admission to hospital.
They’re also two to three times more likely to end up in intensive care, and three times more likely to need invasive ventilation, Edwina wrote.
Unfortunately, she faced some backlash from anti-vaccine advocates on social media after sharing her own experience, but said in an Instagram Story that she wouldn’t “waste time” arguing with them.
Footage of her getting the jab aired on Sunrise this morning, after which Edwina clapped back at the “influencers” who criticised her for her decision to get vaccinated while pregnant.
“For god’s sake, don’t take your health advice from Instagram influencers,” she said in response to the backlash on Sunrise this morning.
“Speak to your GP, speak to your midwife, your obstetrician, the health experts in your life who know the data, know the details, and take your advice from them.”
Edwina is expecting her secon child, and already shares daughter Molly with husband Neil Varcoe.
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, women who are pregnant can safely receive the Pfizer vaccine at any stage in their pregnancy.
This recommendation is supported by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
The Department of Health also encourages women who are breastfeeding, or who are trying to get pregnant to get the Pfizer vaccine.
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