Certain vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby. This guide explains which vaccines are offered on the Isle of Man, when to have them, and where to get them.
Last updated: 27 February 2026 ยท By the pregnancy.im team
Key takeaway
Three vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy on the Isle of Man: the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine from 16 weeks, the flu vaccine during flu season, and the RSV vaccine. All are free and available through your GP or midwife.
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women on the Isle of Man from 16 weeks of pregnancy, ideally soon after your anomaly scan appointment is booked. The Isle of Man Government advises getting vaccinated from 16 weeks to provide the best protection for your baby.
Why it matters: Whooping cough can be very serious in young babies under one year of age, causing long bouts of coughing and choking that can make it difficult to breathe. The illness is highly contagious and typically lasts two to three months. When you are vaccinated during pregnancy, your body produces antibodies that pass to your baby through the placenta, giving them protection in their first weeks of life before they can receive their own vaccinations at 8 weeks.
You will need a new vaccination during each pregnancy, even if you have had whooping cough before or been vaccinated previously, as the protecting antibodies reduce over time.
The RSV vaccine is offered to pregnant women on the Isle of Man from 28 weeks of pregnancy. RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections in young babies, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Why it matters: RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in babies under one year old and can be particularly dangerous for newborns. When you are vaccinated during pregnancy, your body produces antibodies that pass to your baby through the placenta, giving them protection against severe RSV infection in their first months of life.
Speak to your midwife or GP about having the RSV vaccine. For more information, visit gov.im — Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The flu vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women on the Isle of Man, at any stage of pregnancy. It is available free of charge from your GP surgery, usually from the end of September each year when flu season begins.
Why it matters: Pregnancy naturally weakens your immune system, which means flu can cause more serious complications than usual, including chest infections and pneumonia. Getting vaccinated protects both you and your baby.
The flu vaccine takes approximately 14 days to provide full protection. The injected flu vaccine (not the nasal spray) is used during pregnancy and does not contain live virus, so it cannot give you flu.
COVID-19 vaccination is no longer routinely offered during pregnancy. The seasonal programme is now limited to older adults and those who are immunosuppressed. If you have concerns about COVID-19, speak to your midwife or GP for advice.
Live vaccines are generally not recommended during pregnancy because they contain a weakened form of the virus. These include:
If you are unsure about any vaccination, speak to your midwife or GP before having it. It is safe to breastfeed after receiving any of the recommended vaccinations, including flu, whooping cough, and MMR.
Vaccinations during pregnancy are available at your GP surgery on the Isle of Man. Contact your GP practice to book an appointment for your whooping cough, RSV, and flu vaccines.
Your midwife will usually remind you about vaccinations at your antenatal appointments, but you do not need to wait — you can contact your GP directly to arrange them.
For more information about the vaccination programme on the Isle of Man, visit gov.im — Isle of Man Vaccination Programme.
Once your baby is born, they will begin their own vaccination programme. On the Isle of Man, your child's first immunisation is due at 8 weeks of age. All childhood immunisations are free of charge and are given at your GP surgery.
The routine childhood vaccination schedule includes appointments at:
From January 2026, the Isle of Man introduced the combined MMRV vaccine (replacing the separate MMR vaccine) to also protect against chickenpox (varicella) at 12 and 18 months.
Your GP surgery will contact you to arrange these appointments. For a printable version of the full routine immunisation schedule, visit gov.im — Isle of Man Vaccination Programme.
For more information about vaccinations during pregnancy:
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Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. For medical advice, speak to your midwife, health visitor, or GP. Vaccination guidance may change — always check with your healthcare provider for the most up-to-date recommendations.