Immunization and Pregnancy: To Do or Not To Do?

There are several different types of vaccines available and some vaccines can be harmful to a baby, so mothers need to be very careful before getting any immunization. However, there are some vaccines that are recommended before and during pregnancy.

Why should pregnant women get vaccinated?

Firstly, an immunized pregnant woman will transfer her immunity t the baby. Also, immunization helps the mother avoid serious complications due to her naturally decreased immunity during pregnancy.

What vaccines are recommended before pregnancy?

If you are planning to get pregnant, it is recommended that you get the vaccine for chickenpox, HPV and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Which vaccines are safe during pregnancy?

• 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. A series of three doses is required to have immunity. The second and third doses are given one and six months after the first dose.

‬‬ • ‬Influenza‬ (Inactivated): This vaccine can prevent serious illness to the mother during pregnancy. All women who will be pregnant (any trimester) during the flu season should be offered this vaccine.

‬• ‬Tetanus‬/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Tdap is recommended during pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks’ gestation, to protect the baby from whooping cough.

‬‬ 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, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. Women at high risk for exposure to this virus should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Women should wait for three months to become pregnant after receiving these live-virus vaccines.

• 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.

• 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.

• HPV Vaccine: To prevent the human papillomavirus virus (HPV), the vaccine is best taken before pregnancy.

 

Written by :

Dr. Omaima Idris

Prof. of Obs. & Gyn.