Understanding the Importance of Vaccination During Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with a lot of responsibilities. It could become overwhelming to track your prenatal care. Amidst all this, expecting women forget to get vaccinated during pregnancy. The fact is, most women don’t even know that they need these vaccines. Or those who do, believe it could harm the baby. We are here to bust that myth. Vaccination during pregnancy is not only safe but also recommended to prevent any unwanted infections. In this article, we will talk about all the vaccinations required during pregnancy and when you should get them.
What is Vaccination in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, vaccination is mainly done to prevent any infections that the mother or the foetus may contract. This is to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy for you and to ensure good development for your baby.
Avoiding any risk to the foetus is essential. Hence, only a few vaccines are approved as safe for pregnant women. If you are unsure about which vaccines might be contraindicated in pregnancy, it is always advisable to reach out to your doctor.
Pregnancy Vaccination Chart
This National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) pregnancy vaccination chart is followed in India.
| Vaccine | When To Administer? | Dosage |
| TT-1 | Early weeks of pregnancy | 0.5 ml |
| TT-2 | 4 weeks after TT-1 Vaccine | 0.5 ml |
| TT Booster | If the person had received 2 TT doses during a pregnancy
within the last 3 years* |
0.5 ml |
*TT-2 or Booster doses to be given before 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, these can be given even if more than 36 weeks have passed. For a woman who has not received any Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine (Vaccine taken to prevent infection from Clostridium tetani bacteria that enter the body through cuts, wounds, bites, and burns) doses previously, it can be administered to her in labour.
What Vaccinations are Safe During Pregnancy?
The vaccines already mentioned in the pregnancy vaccination chart above are safe to be given during pregnancy. Besides, COVID vaccine and flu shot (Influenza – inactivated) are safe for pregnant women but consult your doctor before getting any COVID vaccine.
Which Vaccinations are to be Taken before Pregnancy?
If you have been planning your pregnancy, make sure to take the following vaccinations before pregnancy:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine – This is a live-attenuated vaccine, which means it contains weakened forms of measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. This causes a minor and harmless infection when administered, so it must be administered at least a month prior to the planned pregnancy.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine – If you have not had chickenpox in your childhood and have not been vaccinated for it, taking this vaccine before pregnancy is a must.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine – Only if you are at high risk of Hepatitis A must the vaccination be taken before your pregnancy.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine – If you fear the risk of Hepatitis B, then the vaccination must be taken before your pregnancy.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine – This vaccine is advised for women up to the age of 26 before pregnancy.
Ensure to take them before pregnancy as advised and follow the vaccination during pregnancy schedule promptly once your pregnancy is confirmed.
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Which Vaccines are not Recommended During Pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, live vaccines pose a threat to the baby’s development. Hence, they come under vaccines contraindicated in pregnancy.
Avoid the following vaccines when you are pregnant:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
- Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)
- Yellow Fever Vaccine – This live vaccine is only given in circumstances when the mother is at high risk of the virus
- Influenza (LAIV)
- BCG
- Zoster
Note: Whenever you have any doubts regarding vaccination during pregnancy, reach out to your doctor immediately before making a decision.
Can You get a COVID-19 VVaccine with Other Vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccination is considered a safe vaccination in pregnancy. It is also safe to take prior to pregnancy, after delivery, and while breastfeeding. You can take a COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines as well.
Conclusion
Navigating through your pregnancy may seem like a tough task, but you have your partner and your family to always support you. Check with your consulting doctor about your vaccination in pregnancy and make informed decisions to ensure the best health and care for you and your baby.
So, put away your worries and enjoy the excitement of motherhood and the joy it brings. Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Happy parenting.
The vaccination during pregnancy schedule includes TT-1 and TT-2 for the first pregnancy.
Two injections, TT-1 and TT-2, are the recommended vaccination in pregnancy. A TT booster shot is given if the woman has received the prior two TT vaccinations for the previous pregnancy within the last 3 years.
Other than the TT vaccination during pregnancy, women must also get the COVID-19 vaccine and the Influenza (inactivated) vaccine if they haven’t already.
The first injection from the vaccines for pregnant women is the TT-1, which is given in the early stages of the pregnancy.
The 3 in 1 vaccination in pregnancy is the Tdap vaccine. It protects against three diseases: pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
