NHS encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated against potentially deadly viruses
This push comes after a recent rise in whooping cough cases among infants, which is thought to be due to fewer pregnant women getting vaccinated. The NHS are keen to reverse this.
From January to May 2024, there were 7,599 confirmed cases of whooping cough in England, a sharp increase compared to just 858 cases in all of 2023.
Advice from the NHS
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can bring with it lots of questions and unknowns.
Since a pregnant woman's immune system is naturally weakened, it’s even more important to stay healthy and protected from viruses.
When fewer people get vaccinated, it leads to more whooping cough cases, meaning more babies fall ill unnecessarily. Babies don't have natural immunity against whooping cough, making vaccination even more crucial. The vaccines for whooping cough, respiratory syncytial virus, and flu are safe, containing no live viruses, and therefore can't make you or your baby sick. The only side effects you might notice are mild, like a sore arm, which is normal.
If you have any concerns, the NHS suggests talking to your midwife, who can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
As doctors and medical professionals, we want to reassure mums that the recommended vaccines are the best way to protect both your baby and yourself.
The campaign to help mothers
The campaign includes stories from midwives, nurses, and new mothers to show that these vaccines are safe for both mums-to-be and their unborn babies. One mum shared her experience of getting vaccinated while pregnant. She saw it as an easy decision to protect herself and her baby. With the support of her midwife, she got her vaccinations during routine appointments, finding the process quick, painless, and totally worthwhile.
Getting vaccinated just seemed like an easy decision for me. I wanted to be protected against flu so I could be healthy for my baby and, of course, I didn’t want her to get sick with whooping cough once she was born.
My midwife was brilliant and I trusted her implicitly. I got my vaccinations at routine checkups and scan appointments. They were quick, painless, and totally worth it.
Want to find out more?
If you're pregnant and want to learn more about which vaccinations are recommended for you, search for "NHS vaccinations in pregnancy" and talk to your midwife.
It's worrying when women turn down the recommended vaccines, but we're hopeful that by seeing other mums and healthy babies, they feel encouraged to get protected. Flu season is just around the corner, so it's important to be fully protected.
