Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Pregnant people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraged to stay protected throughout pregnancy. Vaccines recommended during pregnancy help keep both you and your baby safe from serious illnesses.
Why Vaccines Are Important
During pregnancy, your immune system naturally changes to support your growing baby. This can make you more vulnerable to infections. Some illnesses - such as flu, whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - can cause serious complications for pregnant women and newborn babies.
Vaccines recommended during pregnancy:
- Help protect you from becoming seriously unwell
- Pass protective antibodies to your baby, giving them early immunity
- Are all inactive vaccines, meaning they do not contain live viruses and cannot give you or your baby the illness they protect against
It’s completely normal to have questions about vaccination during pregnancy. Your midwife or GP is always happy to talk through any concerns.
Which Vaccinations Can I Get During Pregnancy?
The following vaccines are recommended for pregnant women in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin:
| Vaccine | When it’s offered | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| Whooping cough (pertussis) | Usually between 16 and 32 weeks | Whooping cough, a serious lung infection in babies |
| RSV vaccine | Routinely offered from 28 weeks | Respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause severe breathing problems in infants |
| Flu vaccine | Ideally in autumn, but available throughout flu season at any stage of pregnancy | Flu, which can lead to serious complications during pregnancy |
If you have questions about any of these vaccines, speak to your midwife or GP. You can also visit the main NHS website for national guidance on vaccinations in pregnancy.
