Pregnancy Vaccines in South Tees
Vaccines during pregnancy - peace of mind for parents-to-be
When someone is pregnant, their immunity (protection from disease) is passed on to their baby.
This means that newborns have some natural protection against illnesses their mother is already protected from – either through past vaccines or illnesses they’ve had before.
But this protection fades over time, which is why it’s important for babies to start their own vaccination schedule soon after birth.
If you’re pregnant, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect your baby before they are even born.
Why vaccines matter in pregnancy
People who are pregnant, especially in the last few months, are more at risk of becoming very unwell from some illnesses.
These include:
Flu
Whooping cough
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
These infections can cause problems for both the birth parent and the baby.
But vaccines can help keep you both safe and well.
Flu and pregnancy
Flu can be more serious when you’re pregnant. It can lead to:
chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
premature birth (when the baby is born too early)
low birth weight
in rare cases, stillbirth or infant death
The flu vaccine is safe to have during pregnancy and helps protect both you and your baby.
Millions of people in England have had the flu vaccine during pregnancy since it was introduced in 2011.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and pregnancy
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that spreads easily and can cause:
bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs)
pneumonia
breathing problems
RSV is most dangerous for newborn babies and older adults.
If you’re pregnant, you will be offered the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks up to full term.
Need advice? Your midwife or doctor can help
Talk to your midwife or doctor about which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy.
They are free, safe, and help protect you and your baby from serious illness.