Vaccinations in pregnancy

Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a respiratory (lung) infection that develops into severe coughing fits. This illness can make babies very ill. The vaccine, which is given to you during pregnancy, protects babies against this illness until they are old enough to have their first vaccinations.

When should I be offered the whooping cough vaccine?

Your GP or midwife will offer you the whooping cough vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you and your baby the best protection, but you can have the vaccine right up until you go into labour.

Getting this vaccination while you are pregnant will help protect your baby from developing whooping cough in the first few weeks of their life. The immunity you get from the vaccine passes through the placenta to your unborn baby. This will protect them until they are vaccinated at 2 months old.

Which whooping cough vaccine will I get?

There’s no whooping cough only vaccine. You’ll be offered a vaccine that protects against whooping cough and other illnesses.  

Most people are offered the ADACEL vaccine, that protects against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. If it’s not available, or not suitable for you, you’ll be offered the Boostrix IPV vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.  

Don't worry if you are already up to date with your routine vaccinations including diphtheria and tetanus - this combined vaccine can still be given. 

Is the whooping cough vaccine safe?

Yes. The vaccine has been used successfully in the UK and other countries for several years. There is no evidence that it can cause harm to you or your baby.

Read more about the whooping cough vaccine and safety in pregnancy.

RSV vaccine in pregnancy

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that causes coughs and colds. It’s not usually serious, but it could make your baby very ill, especially if your baby is premature or has lung, heart or immune conditions.  

Getting vaccinated against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) when you are pregnant helps protect your baby from the serious problems RSV can cause.

As of 1 September 2024, your maternity service or GP surgery should offer you 1 dose of the RSV vaccine if you are at least 28 weeks pregnant. If you haven’t been offered it by then, contact your maternity service or GP practice to make an appointment.

There are no safety concerns about the vaccine for pregnant people or their babies. 

The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it can’t give you or your baby RSV.

Read more about having the RSV vaccine in pregnancy. 

COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy

Having the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy helps to protect you and your baby from serious illness.  

If you have not had any COVID-19 vaccines and you get pregnant, you may be offered the COVID vaccine in autumn. You may have this at the same time as the flu vaccine.

If you have a higher chance of getting very ill from COVID-19, you may be offered a vaccine at other times of the year.  

The vaccine does not contain any live virus so cannot give you or your baby COVID-19. Studies have shown that it is safe to have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.  

Read more about having the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

Flu vaccine in pregnancy

Catching flu during pregnancy can cause complications for you and your baby. Having the flu vaccine as soon as you are offered it will give you the most protection. The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating. 

The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot cause flu. It is safe to have the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.

Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. You may also feel a bit sore at the injection site.

In some areas, midwives can give a flu vaccine at the antenatal clinic. In others, you will need an appointment at a GP practice. Some community pharmacies also offer flu vaccination that is free of charge through the NHS.

Find out more about the flu vaccine in pregnancy.

Travel vaccinations in pregnancy

Some vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses are not recommended during pregnancy because the virus or bacteria could harm the baby in the womb. 

It is best to avoid visiting countries or areas where you will need to have vaccinations before you travel. If this is not possible, talk to your GP or a travel nurse. They can explain any risks and benefits of the vaccinations you need.  

If you are going to a country where there is a high chance of getting an infection, such as yellow fever, it may be safer to have the live vaccine than to travel unprotected.

The NHS website has more information about having travel vaccinations during pregnancy.