Pregnancy vaccine
Vaccines in Pregnancy
Some vaccines are recommended in pregnancy — including whooping cough, flu, COVID-19 and RSV — to protect both the mother and her baby.
What it protects against
The vaccines offered in pregnancy protect against whooping cough, flu, COVID-19 and RSV, guarding the mother from serious illness and passing protective antibodies to the baby for their early, vulnerable months.
Who it's for
Pregnant women, at recommended points during pregnancy. Live vaccines are generally avoided in pregnancy, but the recommended ones are inactivated and safe.
How it works
The vaccines prompt the mother’s immune system to make antibodies. These cross the placenta to the baby, protecting the newborn before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves.
Safety
Safety and side effects
The vaccines recommended in pregnancy are inactivated and considered safe for mother and baby, with the usual mild effects such as a sore arm. Live vaccines (such as MMR) are usually given before or after pregnancy, not during it.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Vaccines in Pregnancy: frequently asked questions
Which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?
Whooping cough, flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are recommended at appropriate times in pregnancy to protect both mother and baby. Your midwife or GP will advise on timing.
Are vaccines safe in pregnancy?
The vaccines recommended in pregnancy are inactivated and considered safe. Live vaccines are generally avoided during pregnancy and given before or afterwards instead.
Related
Other pregnancy vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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