Pregnant or have an underlying health condition? Get your flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster this winter
Protection from the COVID-19 virus can fade over time so it is vital you boost your immunity with winter vaccination.
Last updated 3rd Nov 2022
Vaccinations are our best protection against dangerous viruses like flu and COVID-19 but research shows protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccine can fade over time and the flu virus changes every year.
If you’re pregnant it is really important you get the flu vaccine and your latest COVID-19 vaccine to boost your immunity as both provide the best protection for you and your baby.
Being pregnant puts you in an ‘at risk’ category as flu and COVID-19 can lead to more serious complications in pregnancy that could harm you and your baby. Pregnant women with coronavirus have a higher risk of being admitted to intensive care than women of the same age who are not pregnant. So, if you’re pregnant don’t put off getting vaccinated until after the birth of your baby. You can get vaccinated at any stage of your pregnancy.
We know that flu activity levels have been extremely low over the last two winters mainly due to COVID-19 prevention measures. A lower level of population immunity against flu is expected this year and flu strains change. This coupled with COVID-19 presents a real health threat for people who are in ‘at risk’ groups so vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant women.
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach our immune system how to recognise and fight viruses. Being vaccinated against both viruses will help protect you, your baby and those around you from flu and COVID-19.
You may be offered the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster at the same time – this is both a safe and efficient way to give you maximum protection over the winter months.
So, don’t let your protection fade – boost your immunity this winter.
If you have questions talk to your midwife or GP.
Underlying health condition? Boost your immune system this winter
Flu and COVID-19 are very infectious respiratory viruses which can be serious, even if you are healthy.
If you have an underlying health condition you are especially at risk of complications if you catch the flu and COVID-19 virus. As a result, you will be offered the flu vaccine, COVID-19 Booster or both this winter. As the number of COVID-19 infections is likely to increase over the winter and flu activity is expected to increase getting vaccinated will help give you the best possible protection against each virus.
The vaccines are safe and can help reduce your risk of needing hospital treatment. This winter you may be offered both vaccines at the same time – it is both effective and safe to be vaccinated this way.
As the flu virus changes every year it is important you get your flu vaccination now to be ready to fight off infection. You need to get a new dose of the vaccine each year, as protection doesn’t last from one year to the next. The flu vaccine currently being provided protects against different strains of flu, so even if you were vaccinated as late as March 2022 you still need the new vaccine.
Protection from the COVID-19 virus can fade over time so it is vital you boost your immunity with winter vaccination. To find out what vaccines you are eligible for and where you can get vaccinated go to: