Pregnancy and Vaccines
Did you know that a mother’s immunity is passed along to her baby during pregnancy? This protects the newborn baby for a few months of life until the baby can begin to receive his/her own immunizations. There are certain vaccines that are important to receive to not only protect you but also your baby.
Whether you are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor or provider about vaccinations.
Immunizations Before, During & After Pregnancy
The chart below is an Immunizations and Pregnancy Chart that shows what immunizations are needed before, during and after pregnancy. Use this as a reference to start a discussion with your doctor.
Cocooning
Just as herd immunity can protect our community, cocooning protects your family, especially your baby. Many childhood vaccines are given in a number of doses, working to build your child’s immunity against a particular disease. While your baby is building immunity, s/he is more vulnerable to vaccine preventable diseases.
In order to help protect your baby, make sure you and all your other family members are up-to-date on your vaccines. This includes your teenager, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle and close family friends. Don’t forget to also ask any caretaker, nanny or child care center staff if they are up to date with their vaccines! When people close to your baby are protected against vaccine preventable diseases, you are building a cocoon of protection around your baby.
Vaccines you should talk to your doctor or health care provider about getting while pregnant include:
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Flu vaccine (yearly)
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Tdap vaccine (with each pregnancy)
Stay home if you are sick
Avoid close contact with sick people and wear a mask
Cover your nose and mouth
when you sneeze
Wash your hands often
Clean and disinfect
Stay up to date on your vaccinations