Is vaccination during pregnancy safe?

Vaccination during pregnancy is in many cases considered safe and even recommended to protect both the mother and the baby against certain diseases.

Pregnancy can weaken a woman's immune system, making her more susceptible to serious complications from infectious diseases. Vaccinations help reduce these risks. Antibodies produced by the mother after vaccination can be transferred to the baby via the placenta. This provides protection for the baby during the first few months after birth, when the immune system is not yet fully developed.

It is recommended to receive the following vaccines during pregnancy: influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Vaccines containing live attenuated viruses are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to possible risks to the fetus. These include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), BCG (tuberculosis), and yellow fever vaccines.

Side effects of vaccines during pregnancy are usually mild and similar to those in non-pregnant women. These may include pain at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.

It is important for pregnant women to consult with their health care provider before getting vaccinated. The health care provider can make recommendations based on the woman's individual health status and circumstances.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by-age/pregnancy.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-06 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024