Vaccinations in pregnancy
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Vaccinations recommended in pregnancy include those to protect against flu, COVID-19 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 and covid vaccinations
It is recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. They are free for pregnant women.
Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu and COVID vaccines?
A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby.
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.
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections such as flu. Having flu increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care.
One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.
Ask your GP or midwife for advice.
Find out more about the flu vaccine for women.
Find out more about pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and COVID-19 vaccination.
Find out more about all the vaccinations that help protect you and your baby during and after pregnancy.
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