Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy

The right vaccinations can proactively protect both you and your unborn baby

Receiving the recommended vaccines while pregnant not only safeguards you from illness but also provides crucial protection for your baby during the early months of life. Outlined below is the importance of vaccines, the vaccinations that obstetric experts recommend pregnant people receive as well as those to be avoided.

Why vaccines during pregnancy matter

During pregnancy, your body goes through numerous changes, including shifts in immune function. While your immune system is still working to protect you, it can be less effective at fending off infections. This makes pregnant people more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19, which can lead to severe complications.

The good news is that vaccines can help. Certain vaccines given during – and some before – pregnancy not only protect you but also allow you to pass antibodies, which are proteins that fight infection, to your baby. These antibodies offer early defense against dangerous diseases that your baby might otherwise be too young to fight off on their own.

In fact, many vaccines have been shown to be safe for both pregnant people and their babies. Some of these vaccines can be found at CU OB-GYN East Denver, your primary care provider’s office, and local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Vaccines during pregnancy experts recommend

Vaccination recommendations vary depending on the individual’s health status, the timing of pregnancy and the time of year. In general, several vaccines are widely recommended for people who are pregnant, including vaccines for:

• Influenza (flu).
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• COVID-19.
• Hepatitis B – for those at high risk.

The vaccinations against these illnesses are highly important, as is the timing of inoculation.

Getting the flu shot while pregnant

Pregnancy changes the way your body handles illnesses, particularly those that affect the respiratory system. The flu virus can be particularly dangerous, as pregnant people are more likely to experience complications like pneumonia, hospitalization and even preterm birth. The flu vaccine is safe at any point during pregnancy and is recommended for everyone who will be pregnant during flu season, which typically runs from fall to spring.

By getting the flu vaccine (flu shot), you pass on protective antibodies to your baby, which can help them be safe while they are too young to get their own flu shot. It’s especially important to get the flu shot early in your pregnancy if you’re pregnant during flu season.

Receiving the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy to protect against whooping cough

The Tdap vaccine is essential during pregnancy because it helps protect against whooping cough (pertussis), a disease that can be deadly for infants. Whooping cough is highly contagious, and babies are at risk even if infected close family members or caregivers have mild or no symptoms.

The optimal time to receive the Tdap vaccine is between week 27 and 36 of pregnancy, ideally during the earlier part of this window. This allows your body to build up the highest level of antibodies to pass on to your baby before birth.

Without the Tdap vaccine, a baby can develop severe whooping cough symptoms that may require hospitalization. In some cases, babies can stop breathing or turn blue due to the severity of the cough. Hospitalization rates for infants under 1 year of age with whooping cough are high, making the Tdap vaccine a crucial part of prenatal care.

The RSV vaccine and pregnancy

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes respiratory infections in infants. For babies less than 1 year of age, RSV can lead to severe breathing problems, hospitalization and even death.

Pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy should receive the RSV vaccine during the fall and winter months when the virus is most active. Alternatively, if your baby is born during RSV season, your healthcare provider may recommend an RSV immunization for your baby during their first RSV season – typically the first 8 months of life.

The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters during pregnancy

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of vaccines, especially for pregnant individuals. Pregnant people are more likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19, which can lead to complications like preterm birth, hospitalization or death.

Fortunately, the COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant people receive the vaccine at any point during their pregnancy.

In addition to protecting you, getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy also helps protect your baby through the antibodies you pass on. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, is essential for ongoing protection.

Getting hepatitis B vaccines during pregnancy

For people at higher risk of contracting hepatitis B, this vaccine may be recommended during pregnancy. This vaccine is safe and helps protect both you and your baby from infection, which can cause severe liver damage or cancer. It is recommended that the vaccine series, typically given in three doses, is completed before giving birth.

Vaccines during pregnancy to avoid

Not all vaccines are safe during pregnancy, particularly those that contain live viruses. Vaccines that contain live or weakened viruses can potentially harm a developing baby. The following vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy but are safe – even typically suggested – before becoming pregnant:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
• Varicella (chickenpox).
• Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray).
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).

If you haven’t received these vaccines before pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated after your baby is born. It is also generally safe to receive vaccines like MMR and varicella after delivery, but while breastfeeding.

Vaccinations during subsequent pregnancies

If you’ve had a vaccine in a previous pregnancy, it’s often recommended to get it again. For example, if you received the Tdap vaccine in a prior pregnancy, you would need another dose for each subsequent pregnancy to ensure maximum protection for your baby. Speak with your provider about your vaccination history and together you can make an inoculation plan for each pregnancy.

Vaccine side effects and safety

Like any medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or mild fever.

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continuously monitors the safety of vaccines, and evidence supports that vaccines recommended during pregnancy are both safe and effective.

Some examples of typical reactions to common vaccines include:

• Flu vaccine: Redness and swelling at the injection site and/or a mild fever.
• Tdap vaccine: Pain or swelling at the injection site and/or a mild fever.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Mild fatigue, headache and/or muscle aches.

These side effects typically resolve on their own in a few days. If you experience any severe symptoms after vaccination, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Every individual and pregnancy is unique, and we suggest discussing your health history with your provider before receiving any vaccinations to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

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