When should I get vaccinated?

  • Whooping cough vaccination is usually offered between 16-32 weeks of pregnancy. Many women are vaccinated after their ’20-week’ screening scan.

  • Flu vaccination is offered during flu season, and can be given at any stage of pregnancy. It is best to get it as soon as the vaccine is available in your pregnancy.

  • RSV vaccination is recommended between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy.

A pregnant woman looks at a calendar using her mobile phone.
Chart showing fetal development stages through pregnancy trimesters, with guidelines for flu, whooping cough, and RSV vaccinations.

  • Even if you're later in your pregnancy than the recommended window, getting vaccinated can still provide some protection to you and your baby. The vaccine will still help you develop antibodies that can be passed on to your baby before birth. If you have not been offered any of the recommended vaccines, contact your midwife or GP.

  • Even if you have been vaccinated before, it’s still important to get your recommended vaccines in every pregnancy.

    Over time the level of protective antibodies in your blood goes down, and when they are too low, not enough can cross the placenta to protect your baby. Getting vaccinated in each pregnancy maximised protection for your baby.

    For flu, the most common strain changes every year. Getting revaccinated ensures that your protection is up to date.

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