If you’re pregnant, you’re advised to have the flu vaccine, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you have reached.

There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

If you have flu while you’re pregnant, it could have serious health implications for you and your baby. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia. It could also cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight.

It’s safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy from conception onwards. Talk to a GP, midwife or pharmacist if you want more information. Find out more about the flu vaccine in pregnancy

How you can get vaccinated

If you are receiving maternity care from Nottingham University Hospitals you can get the free flu vaccine from a GP, a local pharmacist or at the Queen’s Medical Centre or Nottingham City Hospital. You can either get the vaccine when you go into hospital for any scan or at drop-in antenatal sessions at:

– Queen’s Medical Centre antenatal clinic: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday

– Nottingham City Hospital: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday

For pregnant women who are receiving maternity care from Sherwood Forest Hospitals (SFH) you can have the free flu vaccine from your GP, a local pharmacy or at hospital where you will be offered the flu vaccination at the antenatal clinic at the time of your 12 or 20 week scan. The vaccine will available at both the King’s Mill and Newark Hospital sites.