Vaccinations 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 & Covid-19 are offered on annual basis during the Winter months.

RSV is a virus that spreads very easily through coughing and sneezing and can cause serious health problems, especially in young babies. Vaccinating pregnant individuals from 28 weeks offers the best protection against RSV to very young infants. The vaccine boosts the immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, these are passed through the placenta to help protect babies from the day they are born.

Pertussis (whopping cough) also spreads easily through coughing and sneezing and can cause serious health problems. Young babies with whopping cough often become very unwell & will often be admitted to hospital. Vaccination is the best defence against whopping cough and should be given between 16 to 32 weeks gestation.

Flu vaccine in pregnancy protects both Mum and baby, the vaccine can be given at any point in the pregnancy. Pregnancy alters how the body handles infection such as flu. This means that there is an increased risk of serious complications, still birth and death.

Covid-19 vaccine is important in pregnancy. You are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you’re pregnant, later on in your pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk. It is safe to have the vaccine during any stage of pregnancy. There is no evidence COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy.

At Salisbury Hospital you are able to receive all 4 of these vaccines throughout your pregnancy. Please see below clinic times for reference:

2^nd – 13^th September (Pertussis & RSV)

Monday – Friday in ANC Clinic 13.00 – 16.00

16^th September onwards (Flu, Pertussis & RSV)

Monday – Friday in ANC Clinic 08.00 – 16.00

3^rd October onwards (Covid-19, Flu, Pertussis & RSV)

Monday – Friday in ANC Clinic 08.00 – 16.00

If you have any questions then please discuss them with your community midwife.