NICOLA Sturgeon has urged pregnant women to get the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

The First Minister said that in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), pregnant women can safely take the vaccine when they are invited.

It comes after 4000 pregnant Scottish women were vaccinated with no adverse side effects reported. 

The First Minister made the announcement during a briefing on Covid-19 at St Andrews House in Edinburgh, earlier today. 

READ MORE: Almost 4000 pregnant women in Scotland jagged with 'no adverse effects'

Sturgeon said that the evidence of the safety of the vaccine is "overwhelming".

She said: "The Scottish Government in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is strongly recommending that pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as they are asked to do so.

"Vaccination is the best way of protecting against the risks of Covid in pregnancy and these include admission of the pregnant mother to intensive care, and also the possible premature birth of the baby.

"Already in Scotland alone more than 4000 pregnant women have received the vaccine and there are thousands and thousands more across the world who have received the vaccine.

The National:

The First Minister has encouraged pregnant women to get the vaccine 

"The evidence of its safety is overwhelming.

"Further information is available from the Public Health Scotland website and also from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gyneacologists.

"Essentially, the message is if you are pregnant and you are invited for the vaccine please do get it.

"It will help you protect yourself and protect your baby."

Sturgeon later added that she hopes all pregnant women will eventually take up the vaccine.