Vaccines during pregnancy
vaccines in pregnancy · pregnancy vaccinations · whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy · flu shot in pregnancy
Some vaccines during pregnancy protect both mother and baby in the first months of life. Others must not be given. Your doctor will advise.
A flu vaccine is usually advised, and in many countries whooping cough in the second half of pregnancy. Sometimes others, if needed.
⏱ Duration: the shot takes a few seconds, with the checkup usually 15 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Talk it through. Discuss vaccines with the doctor who looks after your pregnancy. They will choose which and when.
- Live vaccines. Some vaccines, such as measles and chickenpox, are not given in pregnancy. It is best to have them before.
- Documents. Find your vaccination certificate.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Your vaccination certificate
- Your pregnancy record
How it goes
- The doctor asks how far along you are and how you feel
- Your temperature is taken
- You uncover your upper arm
- The shot is given
- After the shot, sit in the clinic for about 30 minutes
What you'll feel
- A quick prick
- Sometimes a sore arm for 1 to 2 days, or tiredness
Afterwards
- Stay near the room for 30 minutes
- Record the vaccine in your pregnancy record
- Tell your doctor how you felt at the next visit
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rash all over: call emergency services
- Bleeding, pain low in the belly, or your baby has stopped moving: call emergency services
Common questions
Could the vaccine harm my baby?
Vaccines advised in pregnancy are well studied. Protective antibodies pass to your baby.
What if I got a live vaccine by accident?
Do not panic, and tell your doctor. Usually it is not a cause for alarm. Your doctor will explain.