Vaccination during pregnancy is an important way to protect both the mother and the baby from various infectious diseases. Some vaccines are recommended and safe during pregnancy, while others should be avoided. Here’s an overview:
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy:
- Flu (Influenza) Vaccine:
- The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, especially during flu season. It helps protect both the mother and baby from severe flu complications. The inactivated flu vaccine (the shot) is safe during any trimester, but the nasal spray (live vaccine) is not recommended.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine:
- The Tdap vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This helps protect the baby from pertussis (whooping cough), which can be very dangerous for newborns. It also helps protect the mother from tetanus and diphtheria.
- COVID-19 Vaccine:
- Most health organizations, including the CDC, recommend that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown that the vaccines are safe during pregnancy and help reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 for both the mother and baby. The mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna) are the preferred option.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Starting Monday, 3 February 2025, eligible pregnant women will be able to receive a free RSV vaccine. Maternal vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in infants by 70%. The RSV vaccine will be given between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Why RSV vaccine is important?
RSV is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and young children. While many RSV infections are mild, they can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia in infants, leading to hospitalisation or, in severe cases, death.
Infants younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable because they have smaller airways and immature immune systems. This is why protecting them early is so critical.
The vaccine is expected to reduce hospitalisations and the need for intensive care for babies in the first few months of life, which is a major concern for new parents and healthcare providers.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine (if at risk):
- If a pregnant woman is at high risk for hepatitis B infection (e.g., if she has multiple sexual partners or shares needles), the vaccine may be recommended.
- Other vaccines may be recommended if there is a risk for exposure, such as:
- Hepatitis A (if at risk)
- Meningococcal Vaccine (if at risk)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) or MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) should be given before pregnancy, as they are not safe during pregnancy.
Vaccines to Avoid:
- Live Vaccines:
- Live vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy. These include vaccines like the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccines. If a woman receives one of these vaccines before knowing she is pregnant, it’s generally not a cause for major concern, but it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: This is another live vaccine not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Why Vaccination is Important in Pregnancy:
- Protection for the Baby: Some vaccines can pass immunity to the baby, especially the Tdap, flu and RSV vaccines. This protects the baby after birth, as newborns are too young to be vaccinated and have an immature immune system.
- Reducing Risk: Pregnancy can sometimes make women more susceptible to certain infections, and vaccines help reduce the risk of severe illness for the mother and baby.
