Vaccinations during pregnancy

Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy helps protect both you and your baby. Research shows that pregnant women are more likely to become seriously ill from flu, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Flu can lead to complications such as chest infections and pneumonia, and in some cases may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or stillbirth. Vaccination is the safest and best way to help protect you and your baby.

You can get the flu vaccine from September, and should get it as soon as possible, but you can be vaccinated at any point during pregnancy, right up until labour begins. 

You can get the flu vaccine through your GP practice, a participating community pharmacy, or through the NHS online booking system

Find more information on the flu vaccine in pregnancy on the NHS website.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) spreads very easily, causing coughs, sneezes and runny noses.

It can be serious and is a major cause of hospital admission for infants. Vaccination is recommended in every pregnancy because the protection is passed to your baby before they are born, meaning they are less likely to get severe RSV for the first 6 months of their life.

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby, but you can have it any time until your due date.

Find more information on the RSV vaccine in pregnancy on the NHS website.

Whooping cough is a serious infection that can make young babies very ill. Many babies with whooping cough need hospital treatment.

Having the vaccination helps your body to create antibodies that will protect your baby until they can have their first whooping cough vaccine at 8 weeks old.

This vaccine is usually offered at your 20-week pregnancy appointment, but you can have it from 16 weeks. For the best protection, it should be given before 32 weeks of pregnancy, although it can be given later if needed.

If you have not been offered the vaccine by 20 weeks, speak to your midwife or GP practice.

Find more information about the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy on the NHS website.