Seasonal Flu
On advice from the Department of Health we and your GP recommend all pregnant women to have the seasonal influenza vaccination. The reason for this advice is that we know that when pregnant women catch influenza they are more likely to develop severe symptoms and complications and more frequently require admission to hospital than women who are not pregnant.
It is safe to give seasonal flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. Having the vaccination whilst you are pregnant will also protect your baby for the first four to six months of their life, as the protective antibodies you produce will also be transferred to your baby.
Vaccinations for pregnant women are available in Antenatal Clinic. Please ask at reception for more details when you check in for your appointment.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/Flu-jab/Pages/Introduction
Further information including leaflets about the flu in languages other than English can be accessed by visiting www.hse.ie
Whooping Cough
You can help protect your baby by getting vaccinated against Whooping Cough – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. Vaccination will be available at Antenatal Clinic after your 18 - 20+6 week scan. For more information visit www.nhs.uk
Further information, including leaflets about whooping cough in languages other than English can be accessed by visiting www.hse.ie
MMR
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. For more information visit www.nhs.uk
Further information including leaflets about the MMR vaccine in English and other languages please visit www.hse.ie