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

The vaccinations in pregnancy campaign aims to encourage women who are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, to make sure they are up to date with all their vaccinations. 

This includes MMR before pregnancy, and flu, pertussis (whooping cough) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy, to help protect their baby, and themselves, against serious illness.

Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory medicine consultant and medical director at NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but we know it can bring lots of questions.

"We want to reassure mums-to-be that having the recommended vaccines in pregnancy is the best way to protect their baby, and themselves.

“During pregnancy, your immune system is weaker, which means you’re more likely to catch viruses. The vaccines not only protect you they also pass on protection to your baby helping keep them safe in their first few months of life - this is so important, as young babies can be at real risk of needing hospital care if they catch flu, whooping cough or RSV."

The campaign features local midwives, nurses and mums sharing their stories to help reassure pregnant women that vaccines for flu, whooping cough and RSV are safe and important.

“When fewer people are vaccinated, viruses spread more easily," added Dr Monaghan. "This means more babies getting ill, when it is easily preventable.

"Vaccines during pregnancy are safe and effective and can’t harm your baby - they just offer the best protection for your baby and for you.

"If you have any questions at all about vaccinations please speak to your midwife for trusted expert advice.”

Mum, Kate Gresswell, of North Tyneside, said: “Getting vaccinated, during both my pregnancies was an easy choice for me. 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.”

Alex Pyne, vaccination nurse, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, added: “We hope that by hearing from other mums, and midwives, pregnant women will feel more confident about asking for information, and getting their flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccinations, to help protect their babies."

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.