Flu vaccine in pregnancy

It’s recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they are at. It’s free for pregnant women.

Why are pregnant women and people advised to have the flu vaccine?

A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby.

There is good evidence that pregnant women and people have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections such as flu. Having flu increases the chances of pregnant women and people, and their babies needing intensive care.

One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

If you have flu while you’re pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnant women and people are at higher risk of severe flu complications, including hospitalisation. The vaccine helps protect both you and your baby by reducing the risk of flu-related illness during pregnancy and in the first few months after birth.

The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating.

If you’ve missed this time, you can be vaccinated later in the winter although it’s better to get it earlier.

Do not worry if you find that you’re pregnant later in the flu season – you can have the vaccine then if you have not already had it.

Yes. The flu vaccine has been used safely for many years in pregnant women worldwide. It contains an inactivated virus and cannot cause flu. It is safe at any stage of pregnancy.

Yes. It is safe to have the flu vaccine if you are planning a pregnancy or trying to conceive.

No. The vaccine protects your baby by passing antibodies through the placenta, which help protect them after birth when they are too young to be vaccinated.

Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or aches. Serious side effects are very rare.

Yes, the flu vaccine can be given at the same time as the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine or separately. If you are pregnant you are also eligible to receive the new RSV vaccine.

Important advice:

How to get the flu vaccine if you are pregnant

As well as seeing your GP or community pharmacy, you can get a flu vaccine from our maternity immunisation team, who offer vaccines to women and people who are over 16 weeks pregnant in Basildon, Broomfield, and Southend. Our team runs drop-in clinics at the maternity departments of these hospitals. You can get your vaccine on the following days:

  • Basildon Hospital: Maternity vaccination drop-in clinics are available Mondays and Fridays between 9:15am – 4:30pm in Basildon Hospital antenatal clinic located near the entrance.
  • Broomfield Hospital: Maternity vaccination drop-in clinics are available Tuesday and Thursday, 9:15am – 4:30pm. The location is by the entrance to the maternity wards, Zone A, 4th floor, turn right as you come out of the lifts.
  • Southend Hospital: Maternity vaccination drop-in clinics are available Tuesday and Friday, 9:15am – 4:30pm. The location of the vaccination clinic is just outside the entrance to the maternity unit on the second floor (Southend Hospital, Cardigan building) next to the lifts.

The following vaccines are available to those who are eligible: RSV, seasonal flu, and Pertussis (whooping cough.)

No appointment is necessary; simply visit the clinic during the hours listed. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the maternity department directly

We understand that for some people, having a vaccination while pregnant can be worrying. If you have concerns or questions, please visit our drop-in clinics, where our healthcare teams can answer your questions and explain why we recommend these vaccinations.

Video: Flu vaccines in pregnancy

In this video midwife Leanne Barton explains why it is important to get the flu vaccine if you are pregnant and how it can protect you and your baby

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