The ‘Stay. Get Vaccinated' campaign urges expectant mothers to vaccinate against and flu, RSV and whooping cough.

Health minister Ashley Dalton said: ‘Winter is always tough for the NHS but we are working hard to ramp up preparations so the health service is ready for patients when they need it.

‘Let's work together to protect ourselves and ease pressure on our NHS - the single best way you can protect yourself and your family is by getting vaccinated.'

New UKHSA data reveals hundreds of thousands of pregnant women missed vital vaccines last winter, with just over one-third (35%) vaccinated against flu, around half receiving a vaccination for RSV, since the programme was launched a year ago and one-third missing their whooping cough vaccination (66% uptake, though this rose to 71% in early 2025).

There have been 12 infant deaths from whooping cough since the beginning of 2024.

Flu vaccinations have been offered to pregnant women and children since the start of September.

As of 1 October 2025, adults over 65, those at clinical risk and other eligible groups will also be able to get their flu jabs, with over 75s and those who are immunosuppressed able to get their Covid vaccine.

The campaign is part of preparations for winter with local NHS leaders taking part in ‘stress test' exercises and providing targeted care for the most vulnerable.