Vaccinations During Pregnancy

Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both you and your baby. During pregnancy, your immune system changes, making you more likely to become seriously ill from some infections.

The HSE recommends certain vaccines during pregnancy because they help reduce the risk of severe illness for you and provide your baby with protection during their first few months of life.

Your midwife, GP or obstetrician can advise you about the vaccines recommended during your pregnancy.

Why Are Vaccinations Important During Pregnancy?

Some infections can be more serious during pregnancy and may increase the risk of complications for you or your baby.

Vaccination helps your body produce protective antibodies. These antibodies pass through the placenta to your baby, providing them with some protection after birth until they are old enough to receive their own childhood vaccinations.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine

The HSE recommends that every pregnant woman receives the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine during each pregnancy, even if you have been vaccinated before.

When should I have it?

The vaccine is recommended between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It works best when given between 20 and 32 weeks, allowing enough time for protective antibodies to pass to your baby before birth.

Why is it recommended?

Whooping cough can be a very serious illness for young babies, particularly during the first few months of life before they begin their routine childhood vaccinations.

Having the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect your newborn during this vulnerable period.

Flu Vaccine

The HSE recommends the **seasonal flu vaccine** for all pregnant women during the flu season, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

Pregnancy increases your risk of becoming seriously ill if you catch influenza (flu).

Flu during pregnancy can increase the risk of:

* Severe respiratory illness
* Hospital admission
* Premature birth
* Pregnancy complications

Vaccination helps protect both you and your baby throughout pregnancy and after birth.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The HSE recommends COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy if you are eligible under the current national vaccination programme.

Pregnant women who become seriously ill with COVID-19 have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including premature birth.

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, speak to your GP, midwife or obstetrician.

Are These Vaccines Safe?

The vaccines recommended during pregnancy have been carefully studied and are considered safe for both mother and baby.

Millions of pregnant women worldwide have safely received these vaccines.

The vaccines recommended during pregnancy **cannot give you or your baby the infection they are designed to prevent.

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and settle within a day or two.

Common side effects include:

* A sore arm where the vaccine was given
* Tiredness
* Mild headache
* Low-grade fever
* Muscle aches

If you are concerned about any symptoms after vaccination, contact your GP, midwife or maternity hospital.

If You Miss a Recommended Vaccine

If you have not yet received a recommended vaccine during pregnancy, speak to your GP, pharmacist, midwife or maternity hospital as soon as possible.

They can advise whether it can still be given during your pregnancy.

Key Points

Vaccination helps protect both you and your baby.
*The HSE recommends the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine during every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, and it can be given between 16 and 36 weeks.
* The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended during flu season at any stage of pregnancy.
* COVID-19 vaccination is recommended during pregnancy for women who are eligible under the current HSE vaccination programme.
The vaccines recommended during pregnancy have been shown to be safe for both mother and baby.
If you have any questions about vaccination, speak to your GP, midwife or maternity team.