Vaccines in pregnancy play an important role in protecting both you and your baby:
- During pregnancy, your immune system works differently, which can make you more vulnerable to certain illnesses.
- And vaccines you receive now can pass protective antibodies to your baby, giving them a healthier start in life.
So, what vaccines in pregnancy are important to get – and when should you have them?
Let’s walk through the key ones your healthcare provider will discuss with you, and why they matter.
What Vaccines Do Pregnant Women Get?
Doctors don’t recommend all vaccines in pregnancy, but a few are especially important. The top three are:
- Flu vaccine – to protect both you and your newborn during flu season.
- Tdap vaccine – to guard your baby against whooping cough, which can be very dangerous in the first months of life.
- RSV vaccine – a newer option to protect infants from severe lung infections.
Your provider may also check your vaccine history. For example, if you haven’t had a COVID-19 booster or need hepatitis B protection, those may be discussed.
Some vaccines, like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or chickenpox, are not given during pregnancy but may be recommended before or after.
Let’s now look in turn at each of these major vaccines you should get in pregnancy.
Flu Vaccination for Pregnant Women
The flu is an inconvenience during pregnancy, for sure. You’re already undergoing many changes in your body! But a dose of flu can also lead to serious illness and complications. That’s why doctors recommend flu vaccination for pregnant women in any trimester.
Ideally, you should get your flu shot before flu season begins. But it’s safe to receive it later as well.
The bonus? Antibodies from the vaccine cross your placenta and protect your baby for the first six months of life. This is an age when they’re too young to get their own flu shot.
And to clear up a common worry: the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It’s “dead.” So it’s one of the simplest steps to keep both you and your baby safe.
Should I Get the Tdap Vaccine While Pregnant?
Yes. Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). The Tdap vaccine while pregnant is strongly recommended during every pregnancy.
The main reason doctors give it in pregnancy is to protect your newborn from pertussis, which can cause severe breathing problems in babies.
Doctors recommend getting the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This timing ensures your body creates strong antibodies and passes them to your baby before birth.
“But I’ve already had a Tdap shot. Why have another?”
We get asked that a lot. The answer is that even if you’ve had the Tdap vaccine in the past, you’ll still need it in each pregnancy, because antibody protection decreases over time.
When to Get RSV Vaccine if Pregnant
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants. For many families, it shows up like a bad cold, but for babies under six months, it can cause serious lung infections.
The good news is that there’s now a safe and effective RSV vaccine for pregnant women.
Here’s some proof – because we know pregnant women are often nervous about vaccines in pregnancy.
During the 2024–25 RSV season – when the maternal RSV vaccine and infant antibody treatment first became widely available in the US – infant hospitalizations dropped by over a quarter. And for babies under three months old, by as much as 45% to 52%.
So, getting the RSV vaccine is a really good move.
If you’re searching online for “when to get RSV vaccine pregnant,” the recommendation is usually between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy – and only during the RSV season (typically September through January).
This timing helps maximize the antibodies passed to your baby right before birth.
Your provider will let you know if this vaccine is right for you and how it fits with your other prenatal care.
Other Vaccines to Ask About When Pregnant
While flu, Tdap, and RSV are the main vaccines in pregnancy, your doctor may also review other options such as:
- COVID-19 booster. This is safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy.
- Hepatitis B. If you’re not already protected and are at risk of exposure, this is important.
- MMR and varicella (chickenpox). These vaccines are not safe during pregnancy, but your provider may recommend them before or after.
Every pregnancy is unique, so the exact list of recommended vaccines may vary.
How to Talk with Your Provider About Vaccines in Pregnancy
It’s normal to have questions about vaccines, especially when you’re pregnant and feel more vulnerable. The best step is an open conversation with your Obgyn or primary care provider.
Here are a few helpful questions to ask:
- Which vaccines are recommended for me in this trimester?
- Can I get them here at the clinic or should I schedule separately?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How do these vaccines help protect my baby after birth?
Remember: Timing is everything. Doctors schedule vaccines at specific weeks during your pregnancy to give you and your baby the strongest possible protection at the right moment.
Quick Summary of Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Vaccines in pregnancy are about double protection – safeguarding your health while giving your baby a strong start. Here’s a recap of the three most important ones to know about:
- Flu vaccine – safe in any trimester, vital for flu season
- Tdap vaccine – recommended in every pregnancy, protects against whooping cough
- RSV vaccine – available in late pregnancy during RSV season to prevent newborn illness
Other vaccines may also be discussed, depending on your medical history.
Stella Mattina Understands About Vaccines in Pregnancy
At Stella Mattina, our team is here to guide you through each stage of pregnancy, including making sure you and your baby are protected with vaccines at the right time.
If you’re an expectant mom, ask us about the vaccines you should have to safeguard your health and your baby’s future.
Of course, you can consult with your Obgyn at your next visit, but vaccines are available at all our primary care clinics in Dallas. Choose your location and book today.
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas has been in practice for over 30 years. He was born in Cotija Michoacán, Mexico. At a young age, he went to Mexico City where he attended medical school and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. With his heart full of dreams and hoping that one day he could make a difference in the community, he immigrated to the United States in 1983. He finished his education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Venegas then started his practice in 1984.