Introduction
During pregnancy, some vaccines are offered to protect against diseases and their complications. These vaccines are developed to help protect against serious illness to you whilst pregnant, your unborn or new baby.
Receiving these vaccines is safe and the best way to protect both mother and baby during this important time.
The vaccines do not contain a live strain of the virus, therefore are perfectly safe to have during pregnancy.
While you are pregnant, your immune system becomes weakened which can make you more prone to get serious illness.
Vaccines help our bodies fight off infections by getting our immune system to produce protective antibodies. This protection is then passed on to babies through the placenta or in breast milk.
This is important as babies don’t start to receive their first vaccinations until 8 weeks of age, so this can help protect them until they do, and their vaccinations start producing their own protective immune responses.
You can speak to a trusted healthcare professional and find out everything you need to know about the vaccines available to you when you become pregnant. To book your vaccination, contact your GP practice or find a walk-in clinic.
Flu vaccine
Having a flu jab is crucial for the wellbeing of both you and your baby. There’s substantial evidence which indicates that pregnant women face a higher risk of complications from the flu, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
Pregnancy alters the body’s response to infections like the flu, increasing the likelihood of some pregnant women and their babies requiring treatment intensive care. Among the common complications are bronchitis, a potentially serious chest infection that can progress to pneumonia.
If you contract the flu during pregnancy, it may lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or, tragically, stillbirth or infant death.
Why flu vaccination is important?
Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those who are pregnant or living with certain health conditions.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.
Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu vaccine?
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.
If you have flu while you’re pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death.
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 to your expected due date.
Women who have had a flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
It’s safe for women who are breastfeeding to have a flu vaccine if they’re eligible (for example, because of a long-term health condition).
Flu vaccine side effects
Flu vaccines are very safe. All adult flu vaccines are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.
Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:
- a slightly raised temperature
- muscle aches
- sore arm where the needle went in
Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:
- continue to move your arm regularly
- take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it
When should I have the flu jab?
The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating.
If you’ve missed this time, you can be vaccinated later in the winter although it’s better to get it earlier.
Do not worry if you find that you’re pregnant later in the flu season – you can have the vaccine then if you have not already had it.
How do I get the flu vaccine?
To get a flu vaccine you can:
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Vaccination gives the best protection against flu.
Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there’s still a chance you might get flu.
If you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.
It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.
If I had the flu jab last year, do I need to have it again now?
Yes, because the viruses that cause flu change every year. This means the flu strains the vaccines are designed to prevent this year may be different from last year. The protection from a flu vaccine also goes down with time.
If you had the flu vaccine during the last flu season because you were pregnant (same pregnancy or a previous pregnancy), or because you’re in a vulnerable group, you need to have it again this year.
Will the flu jab give me flu?
No. Injected flu vaccines do not contain any live viruses, and cannot cause flu. Some people get a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and you may feel sore at the injection site.
Can I have the flu jab at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine?
Yes, you can have a flu vaccine at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine, but do not delay your flu jab so you can have both at the same time.
Pregnant women are at risk of severe illness from flu at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have a flu vaccine as soon as possible.
The best time to get vaccinated against whooping cough is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
If you miss having the vaccine for any reason, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Find out more about the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy.
Are pregnant women still eligible for the vaccine once they have delivered?
They would only be eligible if they are under another at-risk category otherwise no longer eligible once they have had the baby.
Are there specific precautions regarding pregnant women and the nasal flu vaccine?
There are no specific precautions regarding pregnant women who are exposed to children who have been vaccinated with LAIV as the likelihood of onward transmission is considered very low.
Does the flu vaccine contain gelatine?
LAIV contains a highly processed form of gelatine (derived from pigs) as one of its additives. Gelatine is commonly used in a range of pharmaceutical products, including many capsules and some vaccines. The gelatine in LAIV is used as a stabiliser to protect the live viruses from the effects of temperature.
Is the flu vaccine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Please refer to the relevant SPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) which provides the composition for each vaccine Home – electronic medicines compendium (emc).
Where it is known that there are animal derivatives/excipients etc, then it is a personal choice.
I’m pregnant and think I have flu. What should I do?
Talk to a GP as soon as possible. If you do have flu, there’s a prescribed medicine you can take that might help, or reduce your risk of complications, but it needs to be taken very soon after symptoms appear.
How to get the flu vaccine
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.
You may receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) spreads very easily causing coughs, sneezes and runny noses.
For most people, it might make them feel unwell but for some people, such as older people and very young babies, it can make them very poorly.
It 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 even born, meaning they are less likely to get severe RSV for the first 6 months of their life.
You should have the RSV vaccination when you are around 28 weeks pregnant but can have it any time until your due date.
Why should I have the RSV vaccination I’m pregnant?
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for small babies.
In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies
Vaccination during pregnancy will give your baby protection from the day they are born.
When should I get my RSV jab?
Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby.
But the vaccine can be given any time before the baby is born, up until you go into labour.
How do I get my RSV jab
You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.
Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.
How the RSV vaccine is given?
The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round.
If you’re pregnant, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby is protected for the first 6 months after they’re born, when they’re most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV.
Van I have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
If you’re pregnant, you can have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines, such as the whooping cough and flu vaccines.
But it’s best to have them as soon as they’re offered rather than waiting to have them at the same time.
Who cannot have the RSV vaccine?
Most people who are eligible for the RSV vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated if you’re unwell
If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having the vaccine. Contact your GP surgery or maternity service to rearrange your appointment.
Side effects of the RSV vaccine
The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- an aching body
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
There have been very rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition that affects the nerves) in older adults who’ve had the RSV vaccine. But overall it’s safer for you to have the vaccine than risk having a potentially serious RSV infection.
Talk to your doctor or the person vaccinating you if you’re worried about side effects.
Is the vaccine safe for my baby?
Studies have shown that having the vaccine during pregnancy is much safer than the risk of your baby getting RSV.
Many thousands of pregnant women have now had the RSV vaccine around the world.
How to avoid catching and spreading RSV
RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else, such as:
- wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
- try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you’ve used them
- try to keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions
Whooping cough vaccine
Whooping cough rates have surged, posing a significant risk to unvaccinated infants. Babies too young for vaccinations are especially vulnerable, often becoming seriously ill and requiring hospitalisation.
Pregnant women can safeguard their babies by getting vaccinated between 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. If missed, the vaccine can still be given until you go into labour. The best time for this vaccination is between 16 to 32 weeks, enhancing the likelihood of passing protective antibodies to baby before birth.
Can I get the whooping cough vaccination after 32 weeks?
You are recommended to have the vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks, as the peak of the antibody takes two weeks. However, although there is no guarantee we can protect the baby, you will be protected and less likely to give it to your baby. You can also get vaccinated up to two months after delivery for this reason, until the baby has their first primary immunisation.
Can I have the whooping cough vaccine at the same time as the flu jab?
Yes, you can have the whooping cough vaccine when you get the flu vaccine, but do not delay your flu jab so that you can have both at the same time.
What are the side effects from having the vaccine whilst pregnant?
You may have some mild side effects from the vaccine that are common, such as swelling, redness or tenderness where the vaccine is given. Serious side effects are extremely rare, especially in adults. There are no safety concerns specific to having the vaccine during pregnancy.
I was vaccinated for whooping cough as a child, do I still need it again?
Yes. Also you still need to have the vaccination again, even if you have contracted whooping cough. The vaccine provides a booster to your antibody production and therefore protects your baby.
I had the vaccine for a previous baby, do I need another for this pregnancy?
It is recommended that you are vaccinated every pregnancy, even if a previous pregnancy didn’t go to full term.
Is there a whooping cough-only vaccine? I don’t want the dtp (diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis)
There is no whooping cough-only vaccine, the vaccine you’ll be given also protects against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. The vaccine is called Boostrix IPV. Boostrix IPV is similar to the 4-in-1 vaccine – the pre-school booster that’s routinely given to children before they start school. There isn’t an alternative to having the vaccine to protect your unborn from whooping cough.
How long will the vaccine protect my baby for?
The vaccine will provide enough protection for your baby until their first immunisations at 8 weeks.
I am expecting twins, do I only need one vaccine?
Yes, one vaccine is enough for multiple pregnancies.
How can whooping cough effect my baby?
Whooping cough is a serious disease that can lead to pneumonia and permanent brain damage. Most young babies with whooping cough will be admitted to hospital and they are at risk of dying from the disease.
Young babies are particularly at risk of serious disease and they remain vulnerable until they can be vaccinated against whooping cough from 2 months of age. You can help protect your unborn baby against whooping cough in its first weeks by having the whooping cough vaccination while you are pregnant. You should have the vaccination even if you’ve been vaccinated before or have had whooping cough yourself.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, it’s important you make an appointment to see your midwife.
Visit our As Soon As You’re Pregnant website for information about how to find your midwife, the importance of screening in early pregnancy and vaccinations.
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