Pregnant women in Wolverhampton are being urged to get a free flu vaccine this winter to protect themselves and their babies from serious complications.
Flu can cause significant health risks during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. These include premature birth and low birth weight. Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections, increasing the risk of serious illness if flu is caught.
Why the vaccine matters during pregnancy
Getting vaccinated also protects newborns during their first few months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves. The flu vaccine is available free to all pregnant women, regardless of which stage of pregnancy they are at.
Flu viruses change each year, so it is important to have a vaccine every 12 months, even if vaccinated before.
Where to get vaccinated
Pregnant women receiving maternity care through The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust may be offered the flu vaccine during maternity appointments. A midwife can also arrange a referral.
The vaccine is also available from GPs or at any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations. Appointments can be booked through the NHS website or the NHS App.
The flu season is already underway, so the council recommends getting vaccinated as early as possible to help protect against infection before flu spreads widely.