Vaccination During Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy and Vaccines

Vaccines are extremely important for protecting people against various diseases and viruses. Vaccines given at the right time have a high chance of preventing diseases or ensuring that they are experienced very mildly. There are schedules set by both local and global health authorities specifying which vaccine should be given in which period. However, there are also some points outside these schedules that require attention in vaccination. Pregnancy comes first among the situations in which the normal vaccination schedule does not apply. Since vaccines given in this period can directly affect the health of both the mother and the baby, care is needed. Following the schedule recommended by infectious disease specialists for pregnancy and vaccines is extremely important for protecting the health of the baby and the mother. Some vaccines that are beneficial in the normal period may become harmful in pregnancy, or vaccines that are not needed in the normal period may be required during pregnancy.

The Importance of Vaccination in Pregnancy

Pregnancy and vaccines are among the sensitive topics of the pregnancy period. Vaccination in this period has two main purposes. The first is to protect the mother against infectious diseases to which she is at high risk. During pregnancy, mothers' immune systems weaken to a large extent and become more sensitive. This means they are less resistant to infectious diseases. A flu infection that would not affect the mother in the normal period can lead to a severe illness during pregnancy. In addition, since illnesses experienced in this period also have a negative effect on the baby's health, vaccination becomes more important. Another reason for vaccination in pregnancy is to help protect the baby from diseases for the first few months after birth. When the mother is vaccinated, the antibodies produced pass through the placenta and reach the baby. In this case, when the baby is born, it is protected from infectious diseases for the first few months. Planning regarding pregnancy and vaccines should be done with an obstetrician. In this period, some vaccines need to be given before pregnancy and others during pregnancy. Therefore, expectant mothers planning to have a child are advised to have their vaccination status checked beforehand and to receive the recommended vaccines at least 1 month before pregnancy. Among the important points is that expectant mothers who receive a live vaccine before pregnancy should take care not to become pregnant for 1 month.

Vaccines recommended for all pregnant women

1. Influenza:
   • Vaccination is recommended because seasonal flu can cause more complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
   • The vaccine can also protect the newborn.
   • The inactivated influenza vaccine can be given safely in all trimesters of pregnancy.
2. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis:
   • Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) is recommended for every pregnant woman after the 20th week. 
   • Giving the vaccine between weeks 27 and 36 can also protect the newborn against pertussis.
3. COVID-19: One dose in every pregnancy, preferably in the second trimester; consult your physician about administration.
4. RSV: A single dose in the third trimester to protect the baby (Abrysvo); alternatively, nirsevimab given to the baby.

Vaccines recommended according to the pregnant woman's risk status

1. Pneumococcal vaccine
2. Hepatitis A
3. Hepatitis B
4. Meningococcal vaccine
5. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

Vaccines not recommended in pregnancy

1. Measles
2. Rubella
3. Mumps
4. Chickenpox
5. BCG
6. HPV