Some vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and whooping cough vaccine, are safe and recommended during pregnancy to help protect both you and your baby. Read more about NHS vaccination information in pregnancy.
Key vaccinations
Key vaccinations include:
- Flu vaccine - this protects against flu complications during pregnancy and offers protection to your baby after birth
- Whooping cough vaccine - this is given around 20 weeks of pregnancy to protect your baby from whooping cough
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - this protects your baby from serious respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and it's offered from 28 weeks of pregnancy
- COVID-19 vaccine - this is highly recommended to protect you and your baby against severe illness from COVID-19
Live vaccines, such as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), are not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of the virus affecting your baby.
There is no evidence of live vaccines causing birth defects, and in rare cases, they may be recommended if the benefits outweigh the risks.
A midwife, GP, or pharmacist can provide guidance on whether a live vaccine is appropriate during your pregnancy.
Live vaccines include:
- BCG (against tuberculosis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- oral Polio
- oral Typhoid
- yellow fever
It is advised to wait until after the baby is born before receiving these vaccinations unless a healthcare provider determines otherwise.
The childhood routine immunisation schedulewas revised in September 2024 in order to reflect the introduction of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for pregnant women.
Messages for professionals to share:
- advise pregnant individuals to contact their GP or midwife as soon as they know they are pregnant
- check the vaccination status before pregnancy (particularly for rubella) to avoid complications
Travel vaccines
The NHS advises against having travel vaccinations while pregnant. If you have to travel and need vaccinations, we advise talking to a midwife or GP.
The Travel Health Pro website has information and advice about travel vaccination for various countries.