Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect you and your baby against serious illness.

The two vaccines routinely recommended during pregnancy are:

  • Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine
  • Flu vaccine

A COVID-19 vaccine may also be recommended in some circumstances.

When you are vaccinated during pregnancy, some of the antibodies you produce pass to your baby in the womb. These antibodies can help protect your baby during the first few months after birth.

Flu Vaccine

Pregnant women are at greater risk of complications if they become ill with flu. Flu during pregnancy can also increase the risk of premature birth, having a smaller baby and stillbirth.

The flu vaccine does not contain a live virus and can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy. It also helps protect your baby after birth and reduces their risk of being admitted to hospital with flu.

Flu season in Ireland usually lasts from October until the end of April. If you are pregnant during these months, the HSE recommends getting the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine and appointment are free for pregnant women and are available from participating GP practices and pharmacies.

Whooping Cough Vaccine

You should get the whooping cough vaccine during every pregnancy, even if you have previously been vaccinated.

The HSE recommends getting it between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It can be given after 36 weeks, but it may be less effective at providing protection to your baby.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be particularly serious for young babies. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect your baby during the first few months of life, before they have completed their own vaccinations.

The vaccine is free from participating GP practices under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended during pregnancy for women who have:

  • A weakened immune system
  • A health condition that places them at greater risk of complications from COVID-19

If you are pregnant and would like a COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your GP or healthcare team for individual advice.

The HSE advises that the vaccine should preferably be given between 20 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, although it can be given at any stage. The vaccine currently offered is the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine.

You can receive the flu, whooping cough and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment. They will usually be given in different arms. COVID-19 vaccines are available through participating GP practices and pharmacies. HSE COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

Always tell your GP or pharmacist that you are pregnant before receiving a vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your GP, midwife, obstetrician or pharmacist.