If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get your flu vaccine this year. You can have your free flu vaccine at your GP practice, or it may also be available from your pharmacy or midwife.
Pregnancy changes your immune system, making infections like flu more serious. Catching flu while pregnant increases the risk of complications such as pneumonia and can mean you or your baby may need intensive care. Flu can also raise the risk of stillbirth or premature birth.
The good news is that the flu vaccine helps protect you and your baby. It can reduce the chance of serious illness and helps protect your baby during their first few months of life.
Dr Anita Raina, a GP in East Surrey, said:
“Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy is safe at any stage. It’s one of the best ways to protect you and your baby from flu and serious complications. We want all pregnant women to feel confident to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Speak to your GP, midwife or local pharmacist to book your vaccine or check the NHS website The flu jab in pregnancy – NHS
Check out the NHS Surrey Heartlands website for information on vaccines during pregnancy https://www.surreyheartlands.org/vaccinations-during-pregnancy
