Immunisations in Pregnancy
Whooping cough (Pertussis)
The Whooping cough vaccine is offered for free to pregnant women during their pregnancy, ideally at 20-32 weeks gestation. Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy is safe and effective for both mother and baby. Vaccinating at 20-32 weeks provides time for antibodies to be produced and passed on to the baby. This provides protection until the baby is able to have their own vaccines from 6 weeks of age.
All family members, friends and other people who will be close to the baby in the early days are also recommended to have the Whooping cough vaccine to protect the baby from exposure before it can have it's own immunisation. This vaccine is effective for 5 years.
Flu (Influenza)
Influenza is a serious disease for pregnant women and the developing or newborn baby. Physiological changes during pregnancy make pregnant women more vulnerable to severe illness from influenza. Pregnant women are more than twice as likely to be admitted to hospital as other people with influenza.
The flu vaccination is free for all pregnant women. The best way to protect yourself and your baby against influenza is to receive the influenza vaccine during pregnancy. It can be given at any stage during pregnancy, preferably before peak influenza season.