Vaccines in Pregnancy
Flu vaccine: As pregnant women can get very sick from the flu, it is advised to have a flu vaccine [Inactivated form] during pregnancy. Talk with your medical provider about the best time to receive flu vaccine in pregnancy. A pregnant woman should NEVER receive the live influenza vaccine. All household members should also receive the flu vaccine to decrease the risk of exposure for the pregnant woman. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-flu-vaccine-and-pregnancy
Abrysvo (RSV) vaccine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that spreads in the fall and winter and is very dangerous to babies and young children. You will be offered this vaccine during your pregnancy if appropriate. It is recommended that all pregnant women who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant from September to January receive this vaccine. When a pregnant mom receives the vaccine, her body creates antibodies that pass to her baby before birth and during breastfeeding. This means that the baby will have some antibodies to protect them from RSV for the first 6 months after birth. If you do not receive the vaccine during pregnancy, there is the option for your baby to receive an antibody injection called Nirsevimab, after birth. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-rsv-vaccine-and-pregnancy
Tdap vaccine [Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis]: Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap with each pregnancy to protect the newborn from Pertussis [whooping cough]. The ideal time to receive the vaccine is between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine will be discussed with you at your 26-28 week visit. If you do not have the vaccine during pregnancy, you will receive it after delivery while you are in the hospital. All other household members should also receive the Tdap prior to the baby’s arrival to decrease the risk of exposure for the newborn. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-tdap-vaccine-and-pregnancy
COVID vaccine: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and help to protect against serious illness. During pregnancy, you have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than people who aren’t pregnant. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies made by mom may be passed to her baby to help protect the baby after birth. We recommend the COVID vaccination for all patients, including those who want to be pregnant, are pregnant, and women who are currently breastfeeding. We do not offer the vaccine in our office, but we can provide with a statement of support if it is needed for your to receive the vaccine during your pregnancy at another location. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/covid-19-vaccines-answers-from-ob-gyns
Other vaccines/immunizations: Before receiving any vaccinations or immunizations during your pregnancy, you should always consult with your Obstetrical provider as to the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy. Measles and chicken pox vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy.