Immunization form a substantial part in antenatal check-up. Newborns do not have a fully developed immune system, making them vulnerable to a lot of preventable infections.
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
Getting vaccinated in pregnancy adds in protective antibodies in the newborns that protect them in the first few months of life. There are different vaccines that are recommended throughout the pregnancy, the ones mentioned below are the common vaccines administered.
1. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis)
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis) vaccine is recommended in each pregnancy, between 27th and 36th week of gestation, so as to pass the greatest number of antibodies to the baby before birth.
This vaccine is recommended for two to three doses based on the vaccination status. It provides fetal and neonatal protection against the now-eradicated neonatal tetanus, the dangerous diphtheria and the deadly whooping cough caused by pertussis which tends to affect infants.
2. Flu Vaccine (Influenza Vaccine)
Flu vaccine/ Influenza vaccine can be one of the commonest reasons for hospital admissions during pregnancy. Pregnancy related cardiorespiratory changes increase the susceptibility of the mother to acquire this virus.
An influenza vaccination protects not only the mother during the pregnancy but also protects the baby for the initial few months till they are old enough to be vaccinated for the same.
3. COVID-19 Vaccine
The WHO does recommend giving the Covid vaccine at any stage of pregnancy and also breastfeeding to protect the mother and the baby from Covid virus.
Covid virus during pregnancy can more likely lead to complications that can affect the pregnancy and the growing fetus. Data shows that vaccination during pregnancy also protects babies younger than 6 months, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
4. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial virus) is a common cause for infant respiratory illness presenting with breathing difficulty, or needing respiratory support. Antenatal RSV vaccinations, during 32-36 weeks during September to January, or a baby less than 8 months during their first RSV season, are recommended as per the CDC guidelines.
Special Vaccines and Travel Considerations
Other vaccines such as hepatitis A and B, meningococcal vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, Mpox vaccine, rabies vaccine, etc. are under special circumstances.
Certain travel vaccines like the yellow fever vaccines are advised during travel to an endemic area, but are usually not recommended in pregnancy. It is wiser and advisable to avoid the travel, but, if necessary, the vaccines are administered considering the risk vs benefit situation.
Preconception Vaccination for Rubella and Varicella
Certain infections like rubella and varicella can be detrimental to the growing fetus if the mother is infected with them during pregnancy, so the woman is checked for antibodies in preconception stage for the same. If she is not immune, then it is recommended to vaccinate her beforehand and then plan for the subsequent pregnancies.
Safety and Monitoring of Vaccines
Vaccines like medicines can have certain side effects, but most vaccines are monitored for safety and apart from the usual side effects such as vaccine site pain, fever, malaise, nothing major is usually noted.
Inactivated bacterial/viral vaccine or toxoid vaccines can be given safely to all pregnant women. ACOG recommends assessing and administer the vaccinations to the pregnant patients as per the recommendations, patients’ vaccination status, comorbidities and disease risk factors.