Protect yourself and your baby against serious diseases
When you’re pregnant, you share everything with your baby and this includes the vaccines that you have antenatally. Vaccinations offered during pregnancy include the Whooping cough (Pertussis) and the Flu vaccine. From September 2024 the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be available.
Not only will you protect your own health but that of your baby’s when they are vulnerable and rely on you to keep them safe.
RSV is a common virus, but for babies it can be especially dangerous.
The best way you can protect your baby from RSV is by having the vaccine when it is offered at week 28 of pregnancy. The RSV vaccine reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection in the first six months of life.
The RSV vaccine has been available from maternity services since 1 September 2024.
More information about RSV and the vaccine can be found on the NHS website.
Whooping cough vaccine (also known as Pertussis) – should be given between weeks 16-32 of your pregnancy (if for any reason you miss your vaccine you can have it up to when you go into labour)
Whooping cough is a very serious infection. Getting vaccinated while pregnant is highly effective. It protects your baby from whooping cough in the first few weeks of life.
If you aren’t vaccinated and have a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system, you may be at increased risk of complications.
For more information about the whooping cough vaccine visit the NHS website.
Have a chat with your midwife or GP for more information.
When you have the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy, the immunity you get will pass to your baby. This will give your baby protection until they are old enough to have their whooping cough vaccination at eight weeks old.
Flu or Influenza vaccine
Why should I have the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
The flu vaccine will help prevent you from getting the flu which during pregnancy could increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage/stillbirth and birth defects. When you are pregnant there is also a greater risk of complications from flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Studies have shown that it’s safe to have the flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.
Can I have the flu jab at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine?
Yes, you can have your flu jab at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine. However, you are at risk of severe illness from the flu at any stage of your pregnancy. So don’t delay your flu jab just so you can have them both at the same time.
Talk to your midwife or GP to book an appointment or visit our flu page for more information about flu and the vaccine.
Information for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.
The UK Health Security Agency website has more information about vaccinations that help protect you and your baby during and after pregnancy.