The Importance of Vaccinations During Pregnancy: Protecting You and Your Baby
By Beth Conover, APRN, CGC MotherToBaby Nebraska, UNMC
“I am 20 weeks pregnant…when is it safe to get my flu shot?” This common query to the MotherToBaby texting helpline has a straightforward answer: “As soon as possible. It’s safe at any time during pregnancy and crucial for you and your baby!”
During the influenza (flu) season, from November to March, it is strongly recommended for pregnant women to get immunized, regardless of their pregnancy stage. However, many delay, resulting in only about 50% of pregnant women getting their flu shot.
The flu can cause severe illness and even death in pregnant and postpartum women. Fortunately, the flu shot contains an inactivated virus, ensuring it won’t make you or your baby sick. It remains the most effective method to prevent the flu or mitigate its severity if contracted. Note that the nasal-spray flu vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women as it contains a live attenuated virus.
Vaccination during pregnancy offers additional benefits: it can protect your baby from the flu after birth. The antibodies that develop when you receive the flu shot are passed on to your baby, safeguarding them during the first few months of life.
Another frequent question concerns the Tdap vaccine: “I received my diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (Tdap) shot last year. Why do I need it again in my third trimester?” The third trimester Tdap booster is primarily to protect your baby. Diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) pose serious risks to newborns. A Tdap booster in the third trimester helps pass on strong antibodies to your baby, offering protection until they start their vaccination series at two months of age.
Concerns about vaccine safety during pregnancy are common, but it’s important to note that vaccines linked to autism and similar issues have been debunked. Most vaccines are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. A few, like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines, contain live attenuated viruses and are best administered when not pregnant. The benefits of disease protection far outweigh potential risks. That’s why Birth Defects Prevention Month’s Tip ❸ emphasizes the importance of keeping up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.
If you’re considering pregnancy, it’s an excellent time to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re current on all recommended vaccinations. A healthy mother significantly increases the chances of having a healthy baby!
For more information on vaccinations during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, visit the MotherToBaby website. Explore our comprehensive vaccine-related fact sheets, including those on influenza and Tdap vaccines, as well as others like MMR, HPV, hepatitis A, and chickenpox.
About Beth Conover: Beth Conover, APRN, CGC, is a genetic counselor and pediatric nurse practitioner who established the Nebraska Teratogen Information Service, known as MotherToBaby Nebraska, in 1986. She is a founding board member of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) and provides clinical consultations at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
About MotherToBaby: MotherToBaby is a service of OTIS, recommended by agencies such as the CDC. For questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, call MotherToBaby toll-free at 866-626-6847 or use the text information service by texting (855) 999-3525. Visit MotherToBaby.org to access a wealth of fact sheets and resources, or download the free MotherToBaby app available on Android and iOS.
