Maternal Vaccinations Posted or Updated on 28 Feb 2026

Maternal Vaccinations

Protecting you and your baby: Free Recommended NHS vaccinations for pregnant women

The NHS offers pregnant women vaccinations that help protect them and their babies during and after pregnancy.

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect both yourself and your baby from serious illnesses. When you receive a vaccine, your body develops protective antibodies that strengthen your immune system. These antibodies help fight disease and provide longer-term protection against specific infections. If someone is vaccinated against a disease and later comes into contact with it, their immune system can respond more quickly to that infection. Additionally, these antibodies pass through the placenta to your baby, giving your little one essential defences from the start.

This early protection is especially important because young babies are more vulnerable to severe illness if they contract certain diseases in their first weeks and months of life.

There are up to three vaccines available during pregnancy, free on the NHS, depending on the time of year:

• Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine - The vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications in infants, particularly pneumonia and breathing difficulties. Babies under six months are most vulnerable, so vaccination during pregnancy is crucial for their protection. The vaccine is typically offered around the mid-pregnancy scan (around 20 weeks) and ideally before 32 weeks. It can be given from week 16 until delivery, but may be less effective if given close to birth. Women can also receive the vaccine up to 8 weeks after delivery, which helps protect both the mother and reduces the risk of exposing the baby to pertussis.
• RSV vaccine - Offered in every pregnancy, from 28 weeks and ideally around the time of the 28-week antenatal appointment. protects your baby against a common virus that can cause serious lung infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is a leading cause of infant hospital admissions, and the vaccine can reduce the risk of severe lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life.
• Flu vaccine – Can be done during flu season at any point in pregnancy. Pregnant women and young babies are at higher risk of serious complications from flu, and the vaccine protects you both during pregnancy and after birth.

For optimal protection, it is best to receive vaccines at the recommended times during each pregnancy; however, you can be vaccinated up until delivery.

All vaccines offered during pregnancy are free on the NHS and thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. You may experience mild side effects such as an aching arm, tiredness or headache, but these usually pass quickly.

You can find out more about the various vaccinations offered on our website below.

Vaccinations In Pregnancy - North Arden Primary Care Network

Or on the vaccinations in pregnancy page of the NHS website.

Image Text: UK Health Security Agency. STAY STRONG, GET VACCINATED. Getting vaccinated while pregnant helps protect you and your baby. Speak to your midwife or GP practice and search NHS vaccinations in pregnancy to find out more.