Vaccinations in pregnancy
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Vaccinations recommended in pregnancy include those to protect against flu and pertussis ( whooping cough). These vaccinations help to protect you, your unborn baby and you baby in the first few months of life from these serious infections.
Some vaccinations, particularly those using live vaccines, are usually not recommended during pregnancy. These include MMR and yellow fever. Speak to your doctor or midwife for more advice on specific vaccines.
Pertussis Vaccination (Whooping Cough)
Whooping cough (pertussis) rates have risen sharply in recent years and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.
Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness.
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Ask your GP or midwife for a vaccination appointment.
Find out more about the Whooping Cough vaccination
Seasonal Flu
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at.
Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu vaccine?
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections such as flu. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Young babies also have a higher risk of getting seriously ill if they get flu. Having flu increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care.
A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby.
Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Studies have shown that it's safe to have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up until you go into labour.
Women who have had a flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies. This lasts for the first few months after they're born, when they're particularly at risk from flu.
It's safe to breastfeed if you had the flu vaccine while pregnant.
For more information visit the NHS website.
To book an appointment contact your GP, your midwife or local pharmacy.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that causes coughs and colds but can be serious for babies. Premature babies and very young babies are at higher risk of getting seriously ill. RSV can cause serious lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis which can make it difficult for babies to breathe and feed. These illnesses often require hospital treatment and intensive care.
Pregnant women can now have a vaccine to protect their baby from RSV. The protection from the vaccine is passed to the baby.
You will be offered an RSV vaccination when you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. This gives the best protection to the baby. The vaccine can be given later if needed, right up until you go into labour.
Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery to make an appointment.
Find out more about the RSV vaccination and RSV