One crucial vulnerable group across the UK are being urged to receive up to three different vaccines. This winter period has witnessed a dramatically sharp rise in winter viruses, with the NHS itself cautioning that hospitals and ambulance services are under tremendous strain due to heightened demand.

This is primarily driven by a surge in flu cases due to the H3N2 strain, otherwise known as subclade K, which is currently circulating at 'medium' levels with increased activity. According to the UK Health Security Agency, hospital admissions for the flu were rising at 7.79% per 100,000 compared to 4.78% per 100,000 in the previous week.

Whilst winter viruses such as the flu, RSV, and whooping cough can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms for most people, there are some who may be at a heightened risk of complications, including children, older people, those with a compromised immune system, and those who are pregnant.

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Posting on X, the UKHSA stated: "If you're pregnant, you're eligible for flu, RSV and whooping cough vaccines. Speak to your midwife, GP practice or pharmacist about vaccinations."

Flu jabs are remarkably effective at safeguarding you and your baby since the body reacts very differently to a flu infection whilst going through pregnancy than it normally would. According to guidance from the NHS, pregnant women have a greater chance of developing complications from viruses, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Young babies are also at a much higher risk of getting seriously ill if they contract a virus, potentially leading to a pregnant woman and their baby requiring intensive care. Viruses such as the flu can also increase the risk of a baby being born prematurely or having a low birth weight, which can lead to the risk of stillbirth or death.

The flu and other vaccines help shield your body against serious infections by teaching your immune system to recognise and combat the virus before you've been exposed to it. The jab works by introducing a small amount of an inactivated virus into your body, which stimulates an immune response.

In pregnant women, this immunisation is passed onto the baby, providing them with similar levels of protection against serious illnesses, even shortly after they're born. This can apply to vaccines for the flu, whooping cough, and RSV.

The NHS generally advises prenant women to not receive a vaccine that uses a live version of the virus, because live vaccines can lead to an unborn baby becoming infected. However, there is no evidence that live vaccines lead to birth defects.

The only exception to this is if, during pregnancy, there is a higher risk of infection compared to the risks from the vaccination. Live vaccines can include:

• Yellow fever
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Tuberculosis (often called the BCG vaccine)

Full guidance on vaccinations during pregnancy can be found on the NHS website here.