Vaccines In Pregnancy
What Vaccines Are Recommended
in Pregnancy?
When a vaccine is administered to a pregnant mother, antibodies are formed by the immune system and transferred to the baby in utero — giving the infant a stronger immune system when born. All recommended vaccines have been studied in pregnant patients and are deemed safe. There is no evidence for vaccines causing adverse fetal reactions or autism.
- Influenza (flu vaccine) — during any trimester
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) — in the third trimester
- COVID vaccine — during any trimester
- RSV — 32–36 weeks during RSV season
It is also helpful for mothers, partners, and relatives who will be in close contact with the baby after birth to be up to date with the Tdap, influenza, and COVID vaccines to avoid bringing whooping cough, influenza, or COVID to the new baby. The flu and COVID can be life-threatening to a pregnant woman; vaccination has been proven to reduce severity of illness even if infection occurs.
What Do We Know About COVID and Pregnancy?
Pregnant women appear to have a more severe course of COVID-19 compared to their non-pregnant peers, including increased risk of ventilation and death. There is also a higher risk of preeclampsia, blood clots, premature birth, and stillbirth in the setting of COVID infection during pregnancy. The COVID vaccine is recommended for pregnant patients who are not already vaccinated, and the booster is recommended during pregnancy for those who are. It is also safe to receive while breastfeeding.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Trust the team that has supported Augusta’s mothers for generations.