Seasonal flu vaccination during pregnancy

Flu is much worse than a bad cold. It’s a virus that can cause chills, fever, muscle aches and a sore throat. The virus can also cause headaches, coughing, sneezing, extreme tiredness and at worst pneumonia, which can result in death. If you are pregnant, flu may hit you harder and it is important that you consider getting immunised. Whilst pregnant you are also at greater risk of complications from flu. The risks, such as miscarriage and premature labour, are highest during the later stages of pregnancy. Having the seasonal flu vaccine could help you avoid catching flu and help protect your baby. It’s common and safe, as well as being beneficial to you and your unborn child.

Flu viruses continually change, so people need to be immunised each year. The flu season starts at the beginning of October and runs until around the end of March. The earlier in the season that you are immunised the more you will benefit, so no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at speak to your midwife about the arrangements to make an appointment.

For further information about the seasonal flu programme or any other immunisation programmes, contact your doctor or midwife or you can visit the Immunisation Scotland website.

Reviewed 24 February 2012