Our Emergency Department is very busy right now and some people are experiencing long waits. If you do not require emergency care, please use an alternative such as 111 online.
All the vaccines are free on the NHS and available from the Maternity vaccine HUB in Antenatal Day Services located in the Purple Zone, ground floor at Barnsley Hospital. The HUB runs both a Walk-in-Service and an appointment booking service. You can choose to book you vaccination appointment using this link Maternity HUB Vaccination Clinic. Vaccination service are also available from your General Practitioner (GP) and participating pharmacists. You are advised to speak to you midwife or GP for advice on when in your pregnancy journey is optimal to have your vaccine.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties in newborns. Young babies are particularly vulnerable, as they do not receive their first whooping cough vaccine until they are eight weeks old. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to provide early protection.
The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is recommended between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, with the ideal time being just after your 20-week scan. This allows enough time for protective antibodies to pass to your baby before birth. The Whooping cough vaccine can be given later in pregnancy if needed.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine
RSV is a common virus that can cause coughs and colds and in some young babies can be serious, sometimes leading to hospitalisation. To protect newborns, the RSV immunisation is now part of routine pregnancy care in the UK.
The RSV vaccine is offered between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and is available free on the NHS. The RSV vaccine can be given later in pregnancy if needed. This vaccination helps pass protective antibodies to the baby, reducing the risk of severe RSV infection in their first few months of life.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications from flu and COVID-19. These illnesses can lead to serious health problems, including premature birth and severe respiratory issues. The flu vaccine is available every autumn/winter and is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. The COVID-19 vaccine is also advised at any time during pregnancy to help protect against severe illness.
Speak to your midwife or healthcare provider to schedule these essential vaccines and ensure the best possible start for your baby. For more information Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS.
Are These Vaccines Safe?
Yes, all these vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are recommended by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the NHS, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). They are safe for both mother and baby and provide essential protection against preventable diseases.
How to Get Vaccinated
All pregnant women in the UK can receive these vaccines for free on the NHS. They are available through GP surgeries, antenatal clinics, and some pharmacies. Speak to your midwife, GP, or pharmacist about getting vaccinated and protecting yourself and your baby.
By choosing to get vaccinated during pregnancy, expectant mothers are taking a crucial step in safeguarding their own health and giving their newborns early immunity against serious infections. Book your vaccinations today Maternity HUB Vaccination Clinic to ensure the best start for your baby.