Vaccination During Pregnancy

Why is vaccination necessary?

Vaccines strengthen people's immune systems so that their bodies can fight off serious infectious diseases. Vaccines also benefit society by preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Why do pregnant women need to be vaccinated?

Many women may not realize that they are not up-to-date on their immunizations and are susceptible to diseases that can harm them or their unborn child. Pregnant women should talk to their physicians to figure out which vaccines they may need and whether they should get them during pregnancy or wait until after their child is born.

How do I know if a vaccine's ingredients are safe?

All vaccines are tested for safety under the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccines are checked for purity, potency and safety, and the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitor the safety of each vaccine for as long as it is in use. Some people may be allergic to an ingredient in a vaccine, such as eggs in the influenza vaccine, and should not receive the vaccine until they have talked to their doctor.

Can a vaccine harm my unborn child?

A number of vaccines, especially live-virus vaccines, should not be give to pregnant women because they may be harmful to the baby. (A live-virus vaccine is made using the live strains of a virus.) Some vaccines can be given to the mother in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, while others should only be administered either at least three months before or immediately after the baby is born.

What happens if I am exposed to a disease while I am pregnant?

Depending on the circumstances, your doctor will weigh the risks of vaccination against the benefits the vaccine can provide.

Which vaccines can I receive while I am pregnant?

The following vaccines are considered safe to give to women who may be at risk of infection:

• Hepatitis B--Pregnant women who are at high risk for this disease and have tested negative for the virus can receive this vaccine. It is used to protect the mother and baby against infection both before and after delivery.

• Influenza--This vaccine can prevent serious illness in the mother during pregnancy, but should be received after the mother has been pregnant for more than 14 weeks. If you have a serious medical condition that can lead to flu-related complications, you can receive the vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy.

• Tetanus/Diphtheria--This combination of vaccines are routinely recommended for pregnant women, both those who have never been immunized and those who have not received a booster in 10 years.

Which vaccines should pregnant women avoid?

The following vaccines can potentially be transmitted to the unborn child and may result in miscarriage, premature birth or birth defects.

• Hepatitis A