Covid-19
The Covid-19 vaccine is offered seasonally – usually during the winter months, and again in the spring. It is recommended during pregnancy due to the increased risk of severe disease and complications which can affect both mother and baby.
Flu
Seasonal influenza is very common and highly infectious. It can be much more severe than the common cold; flu can be very dangerous. There is strong evidence that pregnant women have a much higher risk of serious illness because of flu, compared with the general population. The risks are highest in the last three months of pregnancy.
The flu vaccine is seasonal, usually starting in September/October. It is safe at any stage of pregnancy.
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Recommended during weeks 16 to 32 of pregnancy, the vaccine helps the mother make antibodies to fight pertussis and protect the baby.
It takes about two weeks for antibody levels to peak. These antibodies are then transferred through the placenta to the baby, who then has the mother’s own protection against the disease in their blood right from birth and importantly before the child receives their first Pertussis vaccine at eight weeks.
- Read more about vaccines and fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding on NHS.uk
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
From 1 September 2024, pregnant women can have a free vaccine in each pregnancy, to protect their babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is a common virus which can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis. In small babies this condition can make it hard to breathe and to feed. Most cases can be managed at home but around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis each year in England. Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal. RSV is more likely to be serious in very young babies, those born prematurely, and those with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system.
How the RSV protects your baby
The vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born. RSV vaccination reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70 per cent in the first six 6 months of life. After this age your baby is at much lower risk of severe RSV. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the chance of your baby suffering from severe RSV disease.
When you will be offered the RSV vaccine
You should be offered it around the time of your 28 week antenatal appointment. If you haven’t heard by this stage, contact your maternity service or GP practice to make an appointment. Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help you build a good level of antibodies to pass on to your baby before birth. This will give your baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
You will be offered the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy.
Where to get the vaccines
You can access the Covid-19 vaccination via your GP practice or at a local pharmacy. You will receive an invite which will include details of how to book using the national booking system.
You can receive the flu and pertussis vaccines via your GP practice, pharmacy, and in some areas, via your maternity service. Please ask your midwife.