Winter vaccinations for those who are pregnant
When you are pregnant it is harder for your body to fight infections.
Some vaccines are vital during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby and keep you both safe.
This autumn and winter the NHS is offering vaccinations to help prevent you or you baby becoming seriously ill from flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
They are available from the autumn to help you get protected ahead of the colder months, but will also be available throughout winter.
All NHS vaccines have been rigorously tested and are free.
Make sure you are fully vaccinated to help you both stay well this winter.
What vaccines can I get?
- Flu –available from September 1
- Covid – available from October 3.
- New for 2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – available from September 1
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your midwife or GP practice.
You’re more likely to become very unwell if you have flu when you are pregnant. It could also cause your baby to be born early or have a low birthweight. In some cases it can lead to stillbirth or death.
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy gives your baby protection against the virus for the first few months of their life.
The protection vaccines provide lessen as time goes on. So even if you’ve been vaccinated before, it’s important you keep your protection topped up.
When can I get my flu jab?
You can get the flu jab from September 1, 2024 until March 2025. You can get it at any stage of your pregnancy.
How do I get my flu jab?
- Contact your GP practice to make appointment.
- Ask your local pharmacy (chemist). Appointments can be booked online. You don’t need to pay.
- Talk to your midwife.
Covid has not gone away. You’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 if you’re pregnant – and more likely to need hospital treatment or intensive care if you haven’t been vaccinated.
If you get Covid-19 late in your pregnancy, your baby could be at risk.
Getting vaccinated when you are pregnant will also give your baby protection after they are born, so they are less likely to become very unwell if they get Covid.
The protection vaccines provide lessen as time goes on. So even if you’ve been vaccinated before, it’s important you keep your protection topped up.
When can I get my Covid jab
You can get the Covid jab from September 1, 2024.
How to get the Covid jab
- Book on the NHS website
- Find a walk-in vaccination site online or call 0161 947 0770/0800 092 4020
- Call 119 – ask for a translator if needed
- A BSL service is available
RSV is a common cause of winter coughs and colds, but it can be serious for small babies.
It can cause bronchiolitis, a lung infection that makes it hard for babies to breathe and feed. Some will need hospital care and it can be very serious. Sadly sometimes babies die.
The RSV vaccination is being given in pregnancy for the first time this year. Vaccination during pregnancy will give your baby protection from the day they are born.
Although this vaccine is available all year round, it’s important you get vaccinated as soon as possible ahead of winter if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant.
When can I get my RSV jab?
You can get the RSV jab from September 1, 2024. It is offered at 28 weeks. It’s best to get vaccinated as soon as possible after 28 weeks, but the vaccine can be given at any time before the baby is born.
How do I get my RSV jab
Talk to your midwife.
Winter vaccines for people 65 plus
Winter vaccines for people with health conditions
