Vaccinations in pregnancy
Why are vaccines important?
Some vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby.
During pregnancy, your immune system (the body’s natural defence) is weakened to protect the pregnancy. This can mean you’re less able to fight off infections which is why the NHS recommends four routine vaccinations in each pregnancy. These are evidence-based nationally from common conditions that lead to hospitalisation or long-term harm to you or your baby in pregnancy or the early postnatal period.
The antibodies you develop after getting a vaccine transfer from you to your unborn baby. This helps give your newborn baby protection.
The whooping cough (Pertussis), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby. COVID 19 Autumn booster is recommended in pregnancy.
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended during pregnancy to ensure your baby is protected as soon as they are born and until they are able to have their vaccinations beginning at 8 weeks old. The RSV maternal vaccine will offer increased protection to baby for the first 6 months of life whilst they are most vulnerable.
All of the vaccines are inactive, which means they do not contain a live version of the virus it is protecting against.
The decision about whether to get vaccinated during pregnancy is yours and it’s natural to have questions or concerns about whether it’s right for you. Find out more below.
Why are vaccines important during pregnancy? - YouTube
What vaccinations can I get?
| WHO? | For baby's protection | For mum's protection |
| WHAT? | RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) | Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | Flu | COVID-19 |
| WHERE? | Community midwife during your routine antenatal appointment |
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| WHEN? | From 28 weeks pregnant | From 16 weeks pregnant | Anytime during pregnancy between October to March | Anytime during pregnancy in Autumn and Winter |
| WHY? | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that that can cause a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis in babies. The best way to protect babies against RSV infection is for the mother to have the vaccine during pregnancy. The RSV vaccine will be available from 1ST September 2024. Please click here for more information. | All pregnant women are advised to have the whooping cough vaccine in each pregnancy. This is to allow for the protection of your new born baby against the pertussis infection. The protection will pass through the placenta and protect your baby before the routine immunisation program starts at eight weeks. For further information, see this leaflet. | All pregnant women are advised to have the Flu vaccine if pregnant at any stage between October and March. Flu can be more serious in pregnancy because the mothers immune system is naturally weakened to support a successful pregnancy so you may be less able to fight off infections. For more information, visit the NHS.UK website. | Autumn and winter when it is offered as part of the national vaccination campaign. It's safe to have the vaccine during any stage of pregnancy. For up to date advice about the Covid-19 vaccination, click here. |
Which vaccines should I consider during pregnancy- Youtube
Further information about each vaccine
If you have any concerns or questions about any of the vaccinations offered during pregnancy, please speak to your GP practice or midwife. You can also visit the NHS
website for information about vaccinations while you are pregnant. Please take note of where you can access each vaccine at as it varies depending on your area.
RSV vaccine information- Youtube video
Whooping cough vaccine information- Youtube video
Vaccine for mothers' protection COVID 19 and flu- Youtube video
Why are vaccines important during pregnancy?
Which vaccines should I consider during pregnancy
RSV Vaccine information
Whooping cough vaccine information
Vaccines for Mothers' protection (Covid-19 & Flu)