Alert (Green)

Pregnancy vaccine drop-in clinics are available every Friday afternoon 13:30-17:30pm offering -

  • Pertussis vaccine (whooping cough) from 16 weeks
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine from 28 weeks
  • Flu vaccine can be given at any point in pregnancy

Location: Antenatal clinics - Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital.

Please note that ad hoc vaccines can be given at Blackburn Birth Centre and antenatal clinics across Burnley and Blackburn. Please ask your midwife for more information.

There are vaccinations that are strongly recommended to have during pregnancy, to protect your baby as well as yourself. It's important that you read this information so that you can make a fully informed decision about having these vaccines.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. RSV is transmitted by large droplets and by secretions from contact with an infected person.

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.

For more information on the RSV vaccine in pregnancy please read the below information:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/rsv-vaccine/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-maternal-vaccination/a-guide-to-rsv-vaccination-for-pregnant-women

Flu vaccination in pregnancy poster

Flu (influenza)

Flu is a serious illness. It is not the same as a cold or other viral infection, and can lead to complications for mothers and babies. Flu is more dangerous when you are pregnant, as your immune system is weaker, and there can also be risks to your baby. The flu vaccine is the most effective way of protecting your baby and yourself.

It is important to read the information around the flu vaccine before the midwife talks with you about your decision.

You can read more on the Flu Jab - NHS website

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-who-should-have-it-this-winter-and-why

 

Whooping cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a serious respiratory illness that can affect people of all ages but is generally worse for newborn babies. In 2010 we found there had been an increase in the number of affected newborn babies, and deaths caused by whooping cough. The whooping cough vaccine was then introduced for pregnant women in October 2012, as a baby can only the whooping cough vaccines at around 8 weeks old. Having the vaccine while pregnant protects your baby until they have their own vaccination.

Whooping cough vaccines can be given safely from 16 weeks pregnant and ideally before 32 weeks.  However, it can still be given later if missed.

It is really important to read the whooping cough vaccination information before your midwife talks with you about your decision. You can read more on the Whooping cough - NHS website

If you choose to have your antenatal care at ELHT, both of these vaccinations will be recommended and offered to you.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-i-have-vaccinations-if-i-am-pregnant/

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