How to protect you and your baby

During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally weaker than usual. This means you are less likely to fight off infections that can be harmful to you and your baby. 

Vaccination during pregnancy can help prevent disease or make illness less serious for you, and for your baby. This is because the antibodies (natural substances your body produces to fight infection) are passed to your unborn baby, helping to protect them in their first few weeks of life.  

Which vaccines are recommended in pregnancy?

Vaccinations to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 are recommended in pregnancy to help keep you and your baby safe. 

Vaccine 

When to have the vaccine 

Whooping cough (pertussis) 

Offered from 16 weeks. 

The best time to have the whooping cough vaccine is from 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. You can have it up until your baby is born, but it may be less effective later in pregnancy.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) 

Offered from 28 weeks. 

The best time to have the RSV vaccine is from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. You can have it up until your baby is born, but it may be less effective later in pregnancy.  

Flu (influenza virus) 

Offered during flu season (which may be at any time during your pregnancy). 

You should have the flu vaccine as soon as it is offered to you.  

 

Further resources