Vaccines during pregnancy play a crucial role in preventing infections that can cause serious complications.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through vaccination.
If you are currently pregnant, you may be wondering which vaccines are recommended. Read on as Abigael Dishler, DO shares the most essential vaccines for pregnant women and how they help protect both you and your baby.
Vaccines recommended during pregnancy
- Annual flu vaccine: The flu is much more dangerous for pregnant women than for those who are not pregnant. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, and influenza can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, hospitalization and even death. The flu vaccine not only protects the mother but also provides immunity to the baby through the placenta, offering some protection until the baby is old enough to receive their own flu shot.
- COVID-19 vaccination or booster: COVID-19 poses a significant risk to pregnant women, with increased chances of severe illness, hospitalization and complications. If you are due for it, getting the COVID vaccine or booster provides protection from these risks and ensures that you won’t pass the virus to your baby. It’s safe to get this vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
- RSV vaccine (if you are delivering during RSV season): Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can lead to severe complications, especially for newborns. If a woman is delivering during the RSV season, getting vaccinated is important to protect both herself and the baby. Immunity is transferred from mother to baby via the placenta.
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine: The Tdap vaccine is crucial during pregnancy as it protects the baby from whooping cough, also known as pertussis, which can be deadly for newborns. The best time to receive the Tdap vaccine is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to ensure optimal protection for the baby at birth.
Vaccines to avoid during pregnancy
While most vaccines are safe during pregnancy, there are a few that should be avoided.
- Live vaccines: These included vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella MMR as well as the chickenpox (Varicella). Live vaccines are generally not recommended during pregnancy. These vaccines contain live viruses, which can pose a risk to the developing baby. It’s best to get these vaccinations before pregnancy or postpartum.
If you are planning a pregnancy or are in the early stages of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to get caught up on these live vaccines. If you missed your window though, you can safely receive them after giving birth and even, in some cases, before leaving the hospital.
How do vaccines help prevent complications during pregnancy?
Vaccines, like the flu shot and Tdap, are essential for reducing the risk of severe complications. For instance, pregnant women are more likely to experience complications from the flu, such as pneumonia or even hospitalization, compared to non-pregnant women. By receiving these vaccines, pregnant women can significantly reduce the chances of these serious outcomes.
Additionally, vaccines provide a critical benefit by transferring immunity to the baby. For example, a mother who gets the flu or Tdap vaccine will pass on antibodies to her baby, providing some level of protection against these diseases until the baby can receive their own vaccinations.
Is it safe to get vaccinated during pregnancy?
Yes! All the vaccines mentioned above are safe during pregnancy. In fact, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect both you and your baby. The flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at any time during pregnancy. The Tdap vaccine is recommended between 28 and 36 weeks, while the RSV vaccine should be given between 32 and 36 weeks.
Do vaccines during pregnancy affect a baby’s long-term health?
No, vaccines administered during pregnancy do not have any negative effects on the baby’s long-term health or immune system. Instead, the vaccines transfer protective antibodies from the mother to the baby, ensuring short-term immunity until the baby can be vaccinated on their own.
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