NHS urges mums-to-be to protect their babies against potentially deadly viruses

Mums-to-be are being encouraged to speak to their midwife or GP about vaccinations during pregnancy to help protect themselves and their babies from potentially serious illness.

Women who are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, are being asked to make sure they are up to date with the vaccinations recommended by the NHS. These include MMR before pregnancy, and flu, pertussis (whooping cough) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines during pregnancy.

Ben Anderson, director of population health, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also bring lots of questions.

"We want to reassure mums-to-be that having the recommended vaccines before and during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect both them and their baby.

“During pregnancy, changes to your immune system can make you more vulnerable to some infections. Vaccination helps protect you while also passing protection to your baby, helping to keep them safe during their first few months of life, when infections such as flu, whooping cough and RSV can make them seriously ill.

“We are already seeing the impact of the new RSV vaccine, introduced in 2024. Last winter, the number of babies under six months admitted to intensive care with confirmed RSV more than halved. That is a powerful reminder of the protection vaccination during pregnancy can give.”

Mum Kate Gresswell, from North Tyneside, shared her experience to reassure other pregnant women about vaccination and the protection it can provide.

“Getting vaccinated during both my pregnancies was an easy choice for me,” she said.

“I wanted to stay healthy for my baby – and I didn’t want them getting flu, whooping cough or RSV.

“My midwife was amazing, and I trusted her completely. I had all my vaccines at my regular antenatal appointments – they were easy, quick, painless and definitely worth it.”

Mr Anderson added: “When fewer people are vaccinated, viruses can spread more easily, putting more babies at risk of becoming seriously ill.

“Vaccines recommended during pregnancy are safe and effective and give your baby important protection from the very start of their life.

“If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations, please speak to your midwife or GP, who can give you trusted, expert advice.”

If you’re pregnant and want to know more about flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines, search ‘NHS vaccinations in pregnancy’ or speak to your midwife.