Vaccines and Pregnancy
Why Are Vaccines Important During Pregnancy?
Vaccinations are not just for children. Adults, including those who are pregnant need them too. Some vaccines protect both mom and baby. During pregnancy, vaccines can help:
- Protect you from serious diseases.
- Pass immunity to your baby, giving them protection during the first few months of life.
Vaccines are the best way to keep you and your baby healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
- Protects against whooping cough, a serious illness for newborns.
- Recommended during the third trimester (27 -- 36 weeks) of every pregnancy.
- Flu Vaccine
- Protects against influenza, which can cause serious complications during pregnancy.
- Recommended during any trimester of pregnancy during flu season.
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Protects you and your baby from COVID-19 and complications that can affect your pregnancy and developing baby.
- Recommended for anyone 6 months and older, including people who are pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or who may become pregnant in the future.
- Vaccination can be given at any point during pregnancy.
- RSV Vaccine
- Protects against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which can cause severe respiratory illness in infants.
- Recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of your pregnancy during September to January, or your baby aged 8 months or younger can get RSV immunization during their first RSV season.
For more on recommended and non-recommended vaccinations during pregnancy, visit the U.S. CDC web page.
Protect Your Baby: Make Sure Everyone Around Them is Vaccinated.
Newborns can easily get sick because their immune systems aren't fully developed. Even if someone feels healthy, they can spread germs to your baby. That's why it's important for anyone spending time with your baby -- like parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, and other visitors -- to be up to date on their vaccines.
Ask them to get vaccinated at least two weeks before meeting the baby so they're fully protected.
Consult Your Health Care Provider
Every pregnancy is different, and your health care provider is the best resource to ensure you're prepared. They can help review your vaccination history, assess your immunity, and create a personalized plan to keep you and your baby healthy.
To learn more about vaccinating your baby after they are born and beyond, visit the U.S. CDC's Vaccines for Your Children page.