Mums-to-be urged to get up to date with vaccines
Mums-to-be are being urged to speak to their midwife or GP about vaccinations during pregnancy to help protect themselves and their babies from potentially serious illness.
Women who are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, are being asked to make sure they are up to date with the recommended NHS vaccinations - including MMR before pregnancy, flu, pertussis (whooping cough) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Ben Anderson, director of population health, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also bring lots of questions.
"We want to reassure mums-to-be that having the recommended vaccines before and during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect both them and their baby."
He added: “During pregnancy, changes to the immune system can make women more vulnerable to some infections.
"Vaccination helps protect the mother, while also passing protection to the baby, helping to keep them safe during their first few months of life, when infections such as flu, whooping cough and RSV can make them seriously ill.”
He added: “We are already seeing the impact of the new RSV vaccine, introduced in 2024.
"Last winter, the number of babies under six months admitted to intensive care with confirmed RSV more than halved - a powerful reminder of the protection vaccination during pregnancy can give.”
Mum Kate Gresswell, from 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.”
Mr Anderson added: “When fewer people are vaccinated, viruses can spread more easily, putting more babies at risk of becoming seriously ill.
“Vaccines recommended during pregnancy are safe and effective and give your baby important protection from the very start of their life.
“If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations, please speak to your midwife or GP, who can give you trusted, expert advice.”
Pregnant women can also get more information about the flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines online by searching ‘NHS vaccinations in pregnancy’.