A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, one of the most common complications is bronchitis, which is a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.
If you have flu whilst you’re pregnant, it could increase the chances of women and their babies needing intensive care, and it could contribute towards your baby to be born prematurely, have a low birthweight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death.
It’s safe to have the flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. You do not need to delay the vaccination until after you have given birth, the best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating. If you have missed this time, you can be vaccinated later in the winter, although it’s better to get it earlier.
Pregnant people will be offered the vaccination through their maternity service. If you have not been offered this vaccination, contact your midwife to book.
For more information, please visit: The flu jab in pregnancy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
