{"id":1743,"date":"2024-11-22T09:14:36","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T09:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations-new\/?page_id=1743"},"modified":"2025-09-04T16:47:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T15:47:09","slug":"maternity-vaccinations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/maternity-vaccinations\/","title":{"rendered":"Maternity Vaccinations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section headingblockmargin gowide alignfull getwid-section-content-full-width\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__wrapper getwid-padding-left-medium getwid-padding-right-medium getwid-margin-left-none getwid-margin-right-none getwid-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"min-height:190px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__divider is-bottom-divider\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__divider-svg wp-block-getwid-section__divider-svg-negative\"><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__inner-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background-holder\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background has-background\" style=\"background-color:#21d9ff;background-image:url('https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/01\/abstract.jpg');background-position:top center;background-repeat:no-repeat\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background-image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2023\/01\/abstract.jpg\" alt=\"abstract\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__foreground\" style=\"opacity:0;background-color:#754082\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__content\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__inner-content\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group videoheadergroup nomargintop\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns nomargintop is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;flex-basis:80%\">\n\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-fsb-flexible-spacer fsb-flexible-spacer\"><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--lg\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--md\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--sm\" style=\"margin-bottom:-20px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-1ed7ade0 gb-headline-text\">Maternity Vaccinations<\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section headingblockmargin gowide alignfull alignfull getwid-section-content-full-width\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__wrapper getwid-padding-left-medium getwid-padding-right-medium getwid-margin-left-none getwid-margin-right-none\" style=\"min-height:250px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__divider is-top-divider\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__divider-svg wp-block-getwid-section__divider-svg-negative\"><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__inner-wrapper\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background-holder\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__background has-background\" style=\"background-color:#00c2ff\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__foreground\" style=\"opacity:0;background-color:#35103b\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__content\"><div class=\"wp-block-getwid-section__inner-content\">\n\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-fsb-flexible-spacer fsb-flexible-spacer\"><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--lg\" style=\"margin-bottom:-31px\"><\/div><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--md\" style=\"margin-bottom:-44px\"><\/div><div class=\"fsb-flexible-spacer__device fsb-flexible-spacer__device--sm\" style=\"margin-bottom:-67px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-cee81326\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-64308bf9\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-525c0ec1\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-525c0ec1\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<style>.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58{height:auto;align-self:stretch;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58{max-width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{background:rgba(255,255,255,0);max-width:100%;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{max-width:100%;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-media{background:#ffffff;border-color:var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:15px;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-infobox-textcontent h4.kt-blocks-info-box-title{color:#323031;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:-5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-infobox.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-text{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-weight:bold;margin-top:50px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58 .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box3275_8f5332-58\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center\" href=\"#pertussis-anchor\"><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h4 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\"><strong>P<strong>ertussis<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-38221c73\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-38221c73\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<style>.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce{height:auto;align-self:stretch;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce{max-width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{background:rgba(255,255,255,0);max-width:100%;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{max-width:100%;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-media{background:#ffffff;border-color:var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:15px;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-infobox-textcontent h4.kt-blocks-info-box-title{color:#323031;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:-5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-infobox.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-text{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-weight:bold;margin-top:50px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box3275_1b76bc-ce\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center\" href=\"#rsv-anchor\"><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h4 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\"><strong><strong><strong>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-511c4469\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-511c4469\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<style>.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5{height:auto;align-self:stretch;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{height:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5{max-width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{background:rgba(0,0,0,0);max-width:100%;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{max-width:100%;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-media{background:#ffffff;border-color:var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-media-container{margin-top:0px;margin-right:15px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:15px;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-infobox-textcontent h4.kt-blocks-info-box-title{color:#323031;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:-5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-infobox.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-text{font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-weight:bold;margin-top:50px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5 .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box3275_3557c6-d5\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center\" href=\"#flu-anchor\"><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h4 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Flu<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-97da52ce\">\n\n<div id=\"pre-school-vaccinations-anchor\" class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-standard-black-border-color has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-radius:5px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"pertussis-anchor\">Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis and the Pertussis Vaccination<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Pertussis?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It causes repeated&nbsp;coughing bouts that can last for 2 to 3&nbsp;months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Protection for Your Baby:<\/strong> In Scotland, all pregnant women are offered the pertussis vaccine to protect their unborn babies from whooping cough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vaccination Timing:<\/strong> The vaccine is typically administered between weeks 16 and 32 of pregnancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How it Works:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The vaccine stimulates your body to produce antibodies against whooping cough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These antibodies are transferred to your baby through the placenta, providing them with immediate protection after birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The earlier you receive the vaccine, the more time your body has to pass these protective antibodies to your baby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benefits for You:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The vaccine also reduces your own risk of contracting whooping cough, minimising the risk of passing the infection to your baby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Getting Vaccinated:<\/strong> Your midwife can answer any questions you may have about the pertussis vaccine and will help you schedule your vaccination appointment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/illnesses-and-conditions\/infections-and-poisoning\/whooping-cough\/\">NHS Inform<\/a> for detailed information on the pertussis vaccine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about vaccines offered during pregnancy, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/vaccinesinpregnancy\">NHS Inform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0f900921\">\n\n<div id=\"rsv-anchor\" class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-radius:5px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">RSV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Respiratory Syncytial Virus and the RSV Vaccine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is RSV?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RSV is a common respiratory virus. In most people it causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms. It\u2019s highly infectious and spreads easily when people with the virus cough or sneeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Scotland, RSV is the most common reason that babies are admitted to hospital with respiratory (breathing) problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who are at highest risk of severe illness from RSV infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>premature babies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>newborn babies (particularly in the first 6 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children under 2 years with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Older children and adults can also get infected with RSV. The disease is more serious for young babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>RSV infection is more common in winter, but can happen at any time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be offered the RSV vaccine during pregnancy to help protect your baby from severe RSV infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vaccination Timing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ideal time to receive the RSV vaccine is around 28 weeks of pregnancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This ensures your baby is protected even if they are born prematurely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you miss the 28-week window, you can still receive the vaccine later in pregnancy. This will still provide you with protection and reduce the risk of passing RSV to your baby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Importance of Vaccination:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Getting all recommended vaccines, including the RSV vaccine, at the appropriate time is the best way to protect your baby from serious illnesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/healthy-living\/immunisation\/vaccines\/rsv-vaccine-during-pregnancy\/#:~:text=You'll%20be%20offered%20the%20RSV%20vaccine%20if%20you're,if%20they're%20born%20early.\">NHS Inform<\/a> for detailed information on the RSV vaccine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consult Your Midwife:<\/strong> Discuss the RSV vaccine with your midwife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about vaccines offered during pregnancy, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/vaccinesinpregnancy\">NHS Inform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-a33c0e50\">\n\n<div id=\"flu-anchor\" class=\"wp-block-group has-light-accent-grey-background-color has-background\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-radius:5px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Flu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Influenza (Flu) and the Flu Vaccine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Flu?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flu is a common viral illness that can occur year-round, but is most prevalent during winter (seasonal flu).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flu viruses constantly change, making reinfection possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aches and pains including Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cough, Sore throat, Runny nose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possible nausea\/vomiting\/diarrhea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Protecting Your Baby:<\/strong> The vaccine provides protection for both you and your unborn baby, including in the first few months after birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Changing Viruses:<\/strong> Flu viruses constantly change, so yearly vaccination is essential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced Risks:<\/strong> Pregnancy increases the risk of serious flu complications, such as preterm labour, low birth weight, and stillbirth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who is at Higher Risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pregnant women of Black or Asian ethnicity, aged 35 or older, overweight, or with underlying health conditions are at increased risk of severe flu complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Benefits of Vaccination:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduced Severity:<\/strong> Even if you contract flu after vaccination, symptoms are likely to be milder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vaccination Timing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The flu vaccine can be administered at any stage of pregnancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s offered from September through the winter, until 31 March.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early vaccination provides the best protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Get Vaccinated:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consult Your Midwife:<\/strong> Discuss the flu vaccine with your midwife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about vaccines offered during pregnancy, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/vaccinesinpregnancy\">NHS Inform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination Pertussis and the Pertussis Vaccination What is Pertussis? Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes repeated&nbsp;coughing bouts that can last for 2 to 3&nbsp;months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/wholewidth.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-1743","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"scottsamson","author_link":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/blog\/author\/scottsamson\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination Pertussis and the Pertussis Vaccination What is Pertussis? Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes repeated&nbsp;coughing bouts that can last for 2 to 3&nbsp;months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1743"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3450,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1743\/revisions\/3450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/vaccinations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}