Flu and Whooping Cough Vaccines in Pregnancy: NHS Guide

The NHS offers two vaccines to every pregnant woman that are worth booking as soon as they're due: the flu jab, which you can have at any stage of pregnancy from September, and the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, ideally around 20 weeks and before 32 weeks. Both work by passing protection to your baby through the placenta, covering them in the fragile early weeks before their own routine jabs begin.

Which vaccines does the NHS recommend in pregnancy?

According to the NHS guide to vaccinations in pregnancy, the routine offer covers flu, whooping cough and RSV. This guide focuses on flu and whooping cough, the two you may be offered this autumn. We cover the third separately in our RSV vaccine in pregnancy guide, and you can see the wider picture of what comes next in the first-year UK vaccination schedule.

The flu jab in pregnancy

Who should have it, and when?

The NHS says all pregnant women should have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. Vaccination begins in September and can continue through winter, even up until labour, but the NHS recommends having it early. It's safe at any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks until you go into labour.

Why does the NHS recommend it?

Pregnant women are at higher risk of serious complications from flu, particularly later in pregnancy. The NHS says flu can lead to premature birth, low birthweight, stillbirth or the death of a baby. Having the jab also passes some protection to your baby, lasting for several months after birth.

Can the flu jab give you flu?

No. The NHS states that the injected flu vaccine contains no live viruses and cannot cause flu. Minor reactions can include a slightly raised temperature, muscle aches and a sore arm at the injection site.

How do you get it?

From 1 September 2026, the NHS says pregnant women can have the flu vaccine at their GP surgery, at a pharmacy offering the NHS service, or through maternity services. You can book online or through the NHS App. Flu strains change each year, so you need the jab every flu season, including in any later pregnancy.

The whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy

When should you have it?

The NHS recommends having the whooping cough vaccine around the time of your mid-pregnancy scan, usually at 20 weeks, though you can have it from 16 weeks. For the best protection for your baby, you should have it before 32 weeks.

Why is it given in pregnancy?

The immunity you get from the vaccine passes to your baby through the placenta, protecting them until they're old enough for their own routine vaccinations at 8 weeks. The NHS says vaccinating pregnant women has been highly effective in protecting young babies in their earliest, most vulnerable weeks. If your baby arrives early, their routine schedule still starts at 8 weeks.

What if you miss the window?

If you have it after 32 weeks, your baby may get less direct protection, but the NHS says you can still have it later, even after you give birth, which helps protect you from passing whooping cough on to your baby. Ask your midwife or GP surgery as soon as you realise you've missed it.

Side effects

Common effects are swelling, redness or tenderness where the vaccine goes in. Some people have a high temperature, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness or a headache. The NHS describes serious side effects as extremely rare.

Quick timeline: what to book and when

• From September: flu jab, at any stage of pregnancy, ideally early in the season.
• From 16 weeks (usually around 20): whooping cough vaccine, before 32 weeks if you can.
• Around 28 weeks: RSV vaccine, per the NHS (see our RSV guide).
• 8 weeks after birth: your baby's first routine vaccinations begin.

Making it easy to remember

Pregnancy comes with a long list of appointments, so it helps to put vaccination dates in your phone as soon as your 20-week scan is booked. If you're building your prep list, our baby first aid kit guide covers the health basics for the weeks after birth. Your midwife can confirm which vaccines you've had and which are still due.

Talk to your midwife if you're unsure

If you've been unwell, have an allergy or simply have questions, your midwife, GP or pharmacist can talk you through the vaccines. This article is general information based on NHS guidance, not personal medical advice.