Which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?
The whooping cough vaccine you get in pregnancy protects your newborn before they can be vaccinated.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Whooping cough (pertussis), flu and RSV vaccines are recommended during pregnancy in countries such as the UK and US. The antibodies you make pass to your baby and protect them in their first months, when infections are most dangerous.
Why it matters
Newborns can’t get most vaccines until they’re at least 8 weeks old. Antibodies from your pregnancy vaccines cross the placenta and act as a protective shield in those early weeks.
Whooping cough: recommended in every pregnancy — in the US between 27 and 36 weeks (Tdap); in the UK from 16 weeks, ideally 20–32 weeks.
Flu: recommended at any stage of pregnancy during flu season. RSV: in the UK from 28 weeks; in the US between 32 and 36 weeks during RSV season.
What to do
- Ask your midwife or doctor which vaccines are recommended in your country and when.
- Get whooping cough protection in every pregnancy, even if you had it last time.
- Ask about COVID-19 vaccination too — recommendations vary by country.
Common questions
Why do I need the whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy?
Antibody levels fall over time, so vaccinating in each pregnancy gives each baby the highest level of protection.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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