Vaccinations

Whooping Cough - Whooping cough is a very serious infection, and young babies are the most at risk. Most babies with whooping cough will be admitted to hospital. The vaccine in pregnancy helps your body produce antibodies to protect against whooping cough. These antibodies pass to your baby, giving them some protection until they're able to have their whooping cough vaccination at 8 weeks old.

Please click here for more information about whooping cough.

Flu - You have a higher chance of having flu when you are pregnant, the effects can be worse and you are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Flu may cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight. Having the vaccine means you are less likely to get flu, protecting both you and your baby.

Please click here for more information about the flu vaccine.

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, and intensive cases some babies may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal. The RSV vaccine is now being offered nationally in pregnancy to protect your baby from birth, this immunity lasts up to 6 months old.

 

 

COVID-19 - If you're pregnant, it's strongly recommended you get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect you and your baby. You’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you're pregnant. If you get COVID-19 late in your pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk. It’s safe to have the vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. You do not need to delay vaccination until after you have given birth. The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any live viruses and cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.

Please click here use the link for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

You can have the whooping cough vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy, all year round.

 

The flu vaccine is offered each year from October until March.

 

The RSV vaccine is available from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, all year round.

 

The COVID-19 vaccine is offered from October until February.

To book a vaccine appointment, speak to your midwife or call Antenatal Appointments on 0207 288 5586.

You can also have vaccines at your GP surgery and some pharmacies. Check what is available to you locally below.