Vaccination during pregnancy plays an essential role in protecting both the mother and the developing baby from potentially life-threatening diseases. By receiving the proper vaccinations during pregnancy, expectant individuals not only safeguard their own health but also help provide immunity to their newborns during the early months when they are most vulnerable. The transfer of antibodies from mother to child offers a protective shield against certain infections that can be severe in infants. In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of maternal vaccines, which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, and why they matter for both maternal and infant health.
Pregnant individuals are at increased risk for serious complications from certain infections due to changes in their immune system. Diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and whooping cough (pertussis) can cause severe illness or even death in pregnant people and pose risks to their babies, including preterm birth or low birth weight. Vaccines provide a vital defense, reducing the likelihood of these complications. Moreover, pregnant individuals can pass on protective antibodies to their babies, which is especially important because newborns are too young to be vaccinated until later in life.
Vaccines during pregnancy not only protect the mother but also give the baby a head start against dangerous diseases. For instance, when a mother receives a flu vaccine during pregnancy, the protective antibodies she develops are transferred to the baby through the placenta, offering early protection before the baby’s immune system can develop fully. This protection can make all the difference, especially during the infant’s first few months of life when they are most susceptible to infections.
The flu is a serious concern for pregnant individuals, as it can lead to complications like pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy. The flu vaccine is inactivated, meaning it does not contain live viruses, and is completely safe for use during pregnancy. It provides crucial protection not only to the mother but also to the baby by transferring antibodies that offer immunity in the first few months of life.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be fatal for newborns. Pregnant individuals should receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy, even if they have been vaccinated in the past. The reason for timing the vaccine during this window is to ensure that the mother’s body produces enough antibodies that can be passed to the baby before birth. This provides the baby with essential protection during the vulnerable newborn period when whooping cough can be most severe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination for everyone, including pregnant individuals. Pregnancy itself can increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and the virus can lead to complications such as preterm labor or fetal distress. The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce their risk of severe illness. The mRNA vaccines (such as those made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) are considered safe during pregnancy and have been shown to offer protective antibodies to the baby as well.
RSV is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in infants, leading to hospitalizations and even death. While vaccines for RSV have been developed recently, the current recommendations suggest that pregnant individuals receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, particularly during RSV season (fall and winter). This vaccine helps provide antibodies to the baby, offering protection in the first few months when they are at the highest risk of developing severe RSV infections.
For pregnant individuals who are at higher risk of exposure to hepatitis A or hepatitis B—such as those who work in healthcare or are traveling to areas with high infection rates—vaccination may be recommended. Both hepatitis A and B vaccines are inactivated, meaning they do not pose a risk to the pregnant individual or the baby. They help prevent liver infections that can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, including premature birth or maternal liver damage.
While many vaccines are beneficial during pregnancy, there are certain vaccines that should be avoided due to the potential risks to the developing baby. These are typically live vaccines, which contain a weakened version of the virus or bacteria. Live vaccines can pose a risk to the fetus as they may cause mild infections. Pregnant individuals should avoid vaccines such as:
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
Nasal spray flu vaccine (which contains live attenuated flu virus)
These vaccines should be administered before pregnancy or after childbirth to ensure both maternal and fetal safety.
Healthcare providers are essential in educating and guiding pregnant individuals about the importance of vaccines. Their role goes beyond just administering the vaccines; they are responsible for explaining the benefits and safety of immunization during pregnancy. By providing accurate and evidence-based information, healthcare professionals can help patients make informed decisions about their health and their baby’s well-being.
It is also critical for providers to encourage timely vaccination. As some vaccines, like the Tdap and flu vaccines, are most effective when administered at specific times during pregnancy, healthcare providers need to stay proactive in recommending these vaccines at the right stages of the pregnancy.
Most vaccines during pregnancy are well tolerated, with minimal side effects. Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low-grade fever. These reactions are usually short-lived and do not pose a threat to the pregnancy or the baby. In the case of the flu or Tdap vaccines, these mild symptoms are generally a sign that the body is responding to the vaccine and producing antibodies.
It’s important for pregnant individuals to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider, who can help manage any side effects and ensure the safest course of action.
If certain vaccines were missed during pregnancy, it is essential to receive them after childbirth. Some vaccines, such as the MMR or varicella vaccines, are typically recommended after delivery. Additionally, postpartum vaccination can continue to help the mother maintain her immunity and provide additional protection for her infant, especially if she is breastfeeding. Some vaccines, like the flu and Tdap vaccines, can still transfer antibodies to the baby through breast milk, further enhancing the baby’s protection against infections.
Vaccination is a key element of prenatal care and one of the most effective ways to protect both the mother and her newborn from severe infections. By adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule, pregnant individuals can safeguard their health and give their babies a strong start in life. As always, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to make the best decisions for both maternal and infant well-being. With proper vaccination, mothers can reduce their risk of preventable diseases, ensuring a healthier pregnancy and a safer, healthier future for their baby.
