Pregnancy and the flu vaccine

NHS Scotland recommends that all pregnant women should have the free flu vaccine every time you’re pregnant. This is because the flu viruses circulating change each year. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and is offered from September throughout winter, until 31 March.

Why should I get the vaccine?

Pregnant women are at a greater risk of serious flu-related complications so need extra protection. Complications may include as early labour, low birth weight and stillbirth.

Every year in Scotland, a number of pregnant women will get influenza (flu). Some will need hospital treatment or be admitted to intensive care. Flu in pregnancy is more likely to be serious if you are black or Asian, aged 35 years or over, are overweight or have an underlying health condition.

This year’s flu vaccine will give you and your baby the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this winter.

While the vaccine may not stop you from getting flu, your symptoms are likely to be milder and you are less likely to get seriously ill if you have been vaccinated.

The vaccines will help protect you and your unborn baby in pregnancy and continue to help protect your baby in the first few months of life.

The flu vaccine takes around 10 days to work, so the sooner you get it the better.

The flu vaccine:

can help protect you and your developing baby against this year’s flu virus during pregnancy and for at least 3 months after birth
cannot give you flu as it does not contain any live flu viruses
is the safest and easiest way to protect you and your baby against serious illness from flu
can be given at the same time as other vaccines

How do I get the flu vaccine?

Speak to your midwife about getting your flu vaccine. Or you can book an appointment online or phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

If you’ve had the flu vaccine before

Even if you’ve had a flu vaccine in the past, you need to get vaccinated again this year. This is because the virus changes constantly and your immunity reduces over time.

If you’ve been pregnant before, remember that a healthy flu-free pregnancy last time is no guarantee you won’t catch flu this time. To make sure you get the maximum protection, it’s recommended that you get the vaccine during each pregnancy.

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and efficacy before they’re allowed to be used. Their safety continues to be checked while in use.