Vaccinations in pregnancy
Some vaccinations, such as flu and whooping cough, are recommended during pregnancy to protect you and the health of your baby.
For more information look at the sections below. Further information is available from www.nhs.uk and at www.bswtogether.org.uk/maternity.
Local Drop-in Clinics
RUH Bath - Maternity
Great Western Hospital - Maternity
In pregnancy your immune system is naturally weakened so you are less able to fight infection.
We recommend vaccinations throughout pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby.
Pleaase speak with your midwife, GP, or member of the maternity vaccination team if you have any questions or queries.
Find out more here
Salisbury Foundation Trust - Vaccines During Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy you will be offered a number of vaccinations.
Pertussis (whopping cough) & RSV are offered year round and given with each pregnancy. Flu is offered on annual basis during the Winter months.
Find out more here
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a very serious infection and young babies are most at risk. Most babies with whooping cough will be admitted to hospital.
When you have the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy, your body produces antibodies to protect against whooping cough. These antibodies pass to your baby giving them some protection until they are able to have their own whooping cough vaccination at 8 weeks old.
Find out more about the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy.
Flu
During pregnancy your immune system (the body’s natural defence) is weakened to protect the pregnancy. This can mean you are less able to fight off infections. As the baby grows you may be unable to breathe as deeply, increasing the risk of infections such as pneumonia.
These changes can raise the risk from flu – pregnant women are more likely to get flu complications that women who are not pregnant and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Having the flu vaccine means you’re less likely to get flu.
RSV
During pregnancy your immune system (the body’s natural defence) is weakened to protect the pregnancy. This can mean you are less able to fight off infections. As the baby grows you may be unable to breathe as deeply, increasing the risk of infections such as pneumonia.
Pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more should speak to their maternity team or general practice surgery about getting vaccinated against RSV – it could save your child’s life.
