Who is this page for?
This page is for anyone who is pregnant and wants information about vaccinations offered during pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
Vaccines recommended during pregnancy
Your pregnancy vaccination schedule
| Stage of pregnancy | Vaccination |
| From 16 weeks | Whooping cough (pertussis) |
| From 28 weeks | RSV |
| During flu season | Flu |
| If eligible under the current programme | COVID-19 |
COVID-19 vaccine - as advised by your healthcare professional
COVID-19 vaccination is no longer routinely recommended during pregnancy. However, some women, including those who are immunosuppressed, may still be eligible.
Find out about COVID-19 vaccination:
- Vaccinations in pregnancy | nidirect
- COVID-19 Vaccine Leaflet (Link PHA Leaflet) - not available
Flu vaccine - any stage of pregnancy
Flu can be more serious during pregnancy and may lead to complications for both mother and baby.
Recommended timing: At any stage of pregnancy. The vaccine should be received as soon as it becomes available during the flu season.
For more information, visit:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - from 28 weeks of pregnancy
Helps protect your baby against serious RSV infection during their first months of life.
Recommended timing: From 28 weeks of pregnancy. Vaccination around 28 weeks provides the best protection for your baby.
For more information, visit:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women | nidirect
- How to protect your baby from RSV | HSC Public Health Agency
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - from 16 weeks of pregnancy
Helps protect your baby from whooping cough during the first weeks of life, when they are most vulnerable. How the PHA supports
Recommended timing: From 16 weeks of pregnancy, usually around the time of the mid-pregnancy scan.
For further information, visit:
- Whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women | nidirect
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis) immunisation - Leaflet | HSC Public Health Agency
Where to get vaccinated?
Speak to your midwife about booking your vaccinations. Depending on your local Health and Social Care Trust, vaccines may be available through maternity services, antenatal clinics, GP practices or community pharmacy services.
- For more information, visit Vaccinations in pregnancy | nidirect.
This flyer provides information on antenatal appointments and recommended vaccinations for pregnant women.
If you miss a vaccination
If you have missed a vaccination during pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP or another healthcare professional.
Depending on the vaccine and stage of your pregnancy, you may still be able to receive it.
How the PHA helps
The PHA works with the Department of Health, HSC services to support vaccination programmes across Northern Ireland. PHA provides information and resources, monitors vaccine uptake and supports the safe and effective delivery of vaccination programmes.