Is It Safe To Get Vaccines While Pregnant?

Why Should Pregnant Women 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 doctors to figure out which vaccines they may need and whether they should get them during pregnancy or wait until after their child is born.

Are Vaccines Safe?

All vaccines are tested for safety under the supervision of the FDA. The vaccines are checked for purity, potency and safety, and the FDA and 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 Baby if I’m Pregnant?

A number of vaccines, especially live-virus vaccines, should not be given 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.

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 hepatitis B 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. A series of three doses is required to have immunity. The 2nd and 3rd doses are given 1 and 6 months after the first dose.
• Influenza:The flu vaccine can prevent serious illness in the mother during pregnancy. All women who will be in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy during the flu season should be offered this vaccine. If you have a serious medical condition that increases the risk of having flu-related complications, you can receive the vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to see if this applies to you.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria: This combination of vaccines is routinely recommended for pregnant women, both those who have never been vaccinated 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: The safety of this vaccine hasn't been determined and it should be avoided during pregnancy. Women at high risk for exposure to hepatitis A should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Women should wait at least one month to become pregnant after receiving these live-virus vaccines. If the initial rubella test shows that you are not immune to rubella, then you will be given the vaccine after delivery.
• Varicella: This vaccine, used to prevent chicken pox, should be given at least one month before pregnancy.
• Pneumococcal: Because the safety of this vaccine is unknown, it should be avoided in pregnancy except for women who are at high risk for pneumonia or have a chronic illness.
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Neither the live-virus (OPV) nor the inactivated-virus (IPV) version of this vaccine is recommended for pregnant women.