Should I get the flu vaccine whilst I’m pregnant?
If you’re pregnant you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. 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. 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, it increases the need for admission to intensive care for mum and baby and may even lead to stillbirth or death.
Getting your winter vaccines is the safest and most effective way for women to protect themselves and their baby against flu and it also reduces the risk of having a stillbirth. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against flu which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
It's safe to have the flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. It's also safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccines. There's no evidence the flu vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy. It's strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against flu ahead of winter to protect you and your baby.
Can I have the flu vaccine at the same time as the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine?
Yes, you can have the vaccines at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine (pertussis vaccine), but do not delay your winter vaccines so you can have all of the vaccines at the same time. Pregnant women are at risk of severe illness from flu at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have the vaccines 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.
What winter vaccines will I receive whilst pregnant?
You will be offered a vaccine that is suitable for you. If you have any questions, you can discuss these with your GP practice or maternity team.
When can I receive the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is available up until the end of March if you find out that you are pregnant later in the flu season.
How can I book my flu vaccines?
For the flu vaccine, you can book to get your vaccine at your GP practice or community pharmacy. You can find your nearest pharmacy offering the vaccine at www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy. In some areas, midwives can give the flu vaccine at the antenatal clinic. It's a good idea to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available. Do not worry if you find that you’re pregnant later in the flu season – you can have the vaccine up until 31 March 2024 if you have not already had it.
How do I get my COVID-19 vaccination?
The 2023/24 COVID-19 winter programme ended on 31 January 2023.
If you are eligible, you will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster in April 2024 when the spring programme starts.
Come back and check here for exact dates of the spring campaign, or refer to the NHS page: www.
If you are pregnant and immunosuppressed check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and look at the section on ‘What if I am immunosuppressed?’.
This information will be updated when details of the 2024 COVID-19 spring campaign is published.