Vaccination Information for Women Who are Pregnant

During pregnancy, vaccinations can provide protection against certain diseases for both the mother and the child. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, “Pregnant women share everything with their babies. That means when a pregnant woman gets vaccines, she isn’t just protecting [herself]— she is giving the baby some early protection too.”

While the CDC provides general vaccine recommendations for adults, it provides certain specific recommendations for women who are pregnant. If you are expecting a child, it will be important for you to speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated during your pregnancy.

The CDC’s Vaccine Recommendations for Women Who are Pregnant

On a web page titled, Vaccines During and After Pregnancy, the CDC discusses five types of vaccines that it recommends for women who are pregnant. The CDC also notes that it can be beneficial to get immunized against certain diseases prior to becoming pregnant if possible, and it advises that women generally should not get live attenuated vaccines, such as those for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the CDC recommends the following vaccinations for most women (although all pregnant women should consult with their doctors prior to getting vaccinated):

  • Tdap – For women who are pregnant, getting the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine can provide important protection against pertussis, which is also commonly known as “whooping cough.” Whooping cough infections can be particularly dangerous for newborns, and an expecting mother’s Tdap vaccination can provide immunization for her baby.
  • Flu Shot – According to the CDC, “Pregnant women are more likely to have severe illness from flu . . . . Get[ting] a flu shot . . . during flu season [is] the best way for a pregnant woman to protect against the flu and protect the baby for several months after birth from flu-related complications.”
  • Hepatitis A – The CDC notes that women who have a history of chronic liver disease may benefit from receiving a hepatitis A vaccine during pregnancy.
  • Hepatitis B – Pregnant mothers who have hepatitis B can potentially pass the disease to their babies during delivery, and the CDC advises that pregnant women consult with their physicians about the need for a hepatitis B immunization.
  • Travel Vaccines – For women who are planning to travel internationally during their pregnancy, the CDC recommends seeking recommendations with regard to necessary travel vaccines at least four to six weeks prior to their departure.

Understanding the Risks of Vaccination Errors and Injuries from Immunizations

Importantly, while most vaccines are safe for most people, getting vaccinated carries certain risks, and women who are pregnant will want to discuss these risks with their doctors as well. For more information about the potential risks associated with getting vaccinated during pregnancy, you can read:

Contact National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

Vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant provides nationwide legal representation for adults and parents of children who have been diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries. If you have questions and would like to speak with Ms. Durant in confidence, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.