All pregnant women are now entitled to a FREE flu vaccination from their GP this year, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at.
What are the risks for my baby and I if I catch flu?
Women who are pregnant are not more likely to catch flu, but they are more likely to have serious complications from flu. For example, pregnant women are more likely to develop serious illness or to be admitted to hospital than if they weren’t pregnant.
Is the vaccination safe for use in pregnancy?
The flu vaccination does not contain a live flu virus, so it will not give you flu. There is no evidence of health risks from vaccinating pregnant women. The flu vaccination has been given to pregnant women in many countries for several years and has been shown to be safe in all stages of pregnancy for both mothers and their babies.
When should I be vaccinated?
The vaccine will be available in early October, so if you are pregnant it is important to be vaccinated as soon as it is available at your GP surgery. If you become pregnant later on in the flu season, you should still be vaccinated as soon as you can.
Where can I get the vaccine?
It is available from your GP surgery, so make sure you make an appointment to have the vaccination as soon as you can.
