My workplace expects us to get several vaccines regularly. But I'm pregnant
and worried these might not be safe for my baby. Should I be concerned?
–
Emma
It's best to get vaccines before pregnancy when possible, but some can be given
while a woman is pregnant.
The flu vaccine
is recommended for everyone, including pregnant women, during flu season. In fact,
it's extra important for pregnant women because the vaccine helps protect a mother
and her baby from the flu in the baby's first year of life.
The flu vaccine comes in two forms: the flu shot (injected with a needle) and the
nasal spray (a mist sprayed into the nostrils). Pregnant women should only get the
flu shot. It's made with a killed flu virus, so won't
affect the fetus. The nasal spray contains a live weakened form of the virus
and isn't safe for moms-to-be.
The Tdap vaccine (against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is recommended for
all pregnant women in the second half of each pregnancy, no matter if they've
gotten it before or when they last got it. This is due to a rise in whooping
cough infections, which can be fatal in newborns who haven't yet had their routine
vaccinations.
Some vaccines should not be given to pregnant women, such as the
measles, mumps, and
rubella vaccine (MMR); human
papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; and chickenpox
(varicella) vaccine.
Before you get any vaccines during pregnancy, check with your doctor to make sure
they're right for you.
Date reviewed: September 2020
