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Why Pregnancy Vaccinations Matter
Vaccinations during pregnancy are a vital part of protecting both mother and baby from serious illnesses. The immune system naturally weakens during pregnancy, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to infections. Pregnancy vaccinations help bridge this gap by offering targeted protection that also benefits the baby.
Key Benefits
- Protects the Mother: Vaccines like the flu jab reduce the risk of severe illness such as pneumonia, which pregnant women are more susceptible to.
- Protects the Baby: Vaccines such as the whooping cough and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines allow protective antibodies to pass from mother to baby. This shields newborns during their first vulnerable months before they can receive their own vaccinations.
- Reduces Hospital Admissions: Babies born to vaccinated mothers are less likely to suffer from severe infections that require hospitalisation.
Recommended Vaccines
- Flu Vaccine: Safe during any stage of pregnancy; helps prevent complications from seasonal flu.
- Whooping Cough Vaccine: Best administered between 16–32 weeks; protects newborns from a potentially life-threatening illness.
- RSV Vaccine: Offered from 28 weeks; helps prevent serious respiratory infections in infants.
Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way to ensure a healthier start for your baby and a safer pregnancy for you. Always consult your midwife or GP to discuss the best timing and options for your pregnancy vaccinations.
National Support
The National Childbirth Trust
Their mission is to support parents through the first 1,000 days, to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
ICON
Baby crying is normal, you can cope. Please follow the ICON guidance for coping with crying.
The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families.
TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association)
Tamba is a UK based charity helping people around the world. They were set up by parents of multiples and interested professionals in 1978.
Baby Centre
BabyCentre® reaches more than 45 million mums globally each month in nine different languages, including eight in 10 new and expecting mums online in the UK.
Breastfeeding Support
The National Breastfeeding Helpline is there for you and your family when you need them. They provide evidence-based, non-judgemental and friendly breastfeeding support for all; wherever you are in your feeding journey.
Early learning and development
90% of your child's brain growth happens before the age of 5. Right from the start, all those little moments you spend together are building their brain.
Providing NHS Services
Contact
St Peter’s Surgery
Thanet Community Health Hub
Northwood Road
Westwood
Broadstairs
Kent
CT10 2RZ
Telephone: 01843 608860