Whooping cough vaccine /flu jabs - are they still going ahead given situation?

[Jem9153]

Hiya,

I’m coming up to 21 weeks and my midwife called me a few weeks ago and advised me after my 20 week scan to book in to have them done.

Obviously now the situation is totally different, my GP have said not to call and enquire online if possible but I can’t find anything about vaccines on their website.

Has anyone had these done recently? Are they still being carried out? If not do they need done by a certain time? Kind of worried in case I miss them.

Obviously will call them tomorrow but as they’re closed today just wanted some peace of mind x

They stop,giving flu jabs at the end of March anyhow (end of the flu season), so I expect that one will be classed as non-essential now.

Routine childhood immunisations are still going ahead because they are so important, so the prenatal one should happen. You might find that your team want to administer it during a face to face appointment you would be having anyhow, rather than have you make a separate trip. It will be worth ringing to find out how it's being done in your area.

You need to have it a minimum of two weeks before delivery, and it's prudent to allow a bit for the possibility of an early arrival. So no exact cut off, but it you've not managed to have it by about 32 weeks, I'd start to press a little harder.

Hi @Jem9153 I had my flu jab at the same time as my 12 week scan in January, so I am not sure regarding that. I am however going to my doctors tomorrow to have my whooping cough vaccination after booking it last week. Little bit anxious but it’s important for the baby so I am pleased they are still going ahead. Hopefully you will be able to get yours booked in soon.

@Jem9153 i had my flu jab a couple of weeks ago but that was before the lockdown. Worth ringing your surgery to find out.

I had my flu jab a couple of weeks ago at 17 weeks and my midwife did say they stop doing them at the end of this month so I would get it booked in if you can. Regarding the whooping cough one in my blue notes it says this is offered at 28 weeks, is this right as I have heard alot of people mentioning 20 weeks but I'm not due to see my midwife again now until 28 weeks?

I was told whooping cough anytime from 16 weeks by the midwife, even though it says 28 on the leaflet. Think it's an earlier the better type thing. I got it 2 weeks ago now at 19 weeks thankfully but I would ring your GP as I think they'd book you in to get it. Everything being so up in the air is so frustrating!

I had my whooping cough vaccine the other day at 30 weeks. They pressed me to get it before 34 weeks to allow for it to be ample time before baby arrives. I just rang my gp surgery, the nurse gave me a call back explaining everything she usually would before I have the jab to minimise the time I would be in the surgery. I turned up, was called straight in, she had her PPE on and she just popped the needle in then I was straight out. Was the easiest appointment I've ever had, makes me think why can't they do it like this normally! I said no to flu jab as flu season is over but I imagine that would be the exact same.

Hi OP. I am 19 weeks and spoke to my GP earlier this week. There was no hesitation that I should have both jabs. I feel slightly assured that they've made provisions, I have to wait in my car/car park and will be ushered through for the jabs ( I'd be happy to have it in the car park!). There was also no hesitation from my midwife - I need them both after 20 week scan. Hope this helps x