Vaccination of Pregnant

Pregnancy — an important period in a woman's life and her future child's. Vaccination of pregnant women helps to protect the health of the mother and baby from dangerous infections and their possible complications. Some vaccinations during pregnancy also provide protection to the baby in the first months of life through the transfer of maternal antibodies across the placenta, even before the start of its own planned immunization.  

In the medical network "Dobrobut," we rely on the principles of evidence-based medicine and international protocols. Our obstetricians-gynecologists and family doctors help each patient develop a safe and individualized vaccination schedule.  

Immunization Before and During Pregnancy 

For convenience and quick navigation, we have compiled the main recommendations in a visual list: 

BEFORE Pregnancy (at the planning stage) 

• Which vaccinations to get: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella. 
• Mandatory conditions and warnings: It is prohibited to become pregnant within 1 month after receiving live vaccines. 

DURING Pregnancy 

• Which vaccinations to get: Pertussis (as part of the combined vaccine DTaP-Hib/IPV/TdaP), influenza, COVID-19. 
• Mandatory conditions and warnings: Only inactivated (non-live) vaccines are used. Safe in the II and III trimesters (influenza — at any time). 

1. Checking Immunity and Vaccination Before Conceiving 

If you are planning a pregnancy, it is important to check your vaccination status in advance and determine if you are protected against infections such as measles, rubella, and varicella. If necessary, the doctor will recommend laboratory tests to determine the level of specific antibodies (IgG).  

If you lack the required protection, it is advisable to get vaccinated before pregnancy. To prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, combined vaccines (for example, "Priorix" or "M-M-RVAXPRO") are used. For protection against varicella, vaccines "Varilrix" or "Varivax" are utilized.

Important for your safety: Vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella contain live attenuated viruses and are categorically contraindicated during pregnancy. After receiving such vaccines, it is necessary to reliably prevent pregnancy for at least one month. Timely vaccination of pregnant women at the planning stage helps to avoid risks to the fetus.  

2. Pertussis Vaccination for You and Your Baby 

Pertussis is an acute infectious disease characterized by high contagiousness and is particularly dangerous for infants. In children under 2 months of age who have not yet received the first dose according to the vaccination calendar, there is a high risk of severe disease progression, respiratory arrest (apnea), and other dangerous complications.  

Timely vaccination of pregnant women against pertussis helps the woman's body produce the maximum amount of antibodies. They cross the placenta to the fetus and provide the baby with a passive immune shield during its most vulnerable first months of life.  

Optimal Timing for Administration:

• According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, vaccination against pertussis in pregnant women is recommended to be performed in the second or third trimester, specifically during from 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.  
• In this case, inactivated combined vaccines with reduced antigen content are used (for example, "Boostrix").  
• Our obstetrician-gynecologist will help choose the ideal week for the procedure, as the planned immunization of the child itself begins only from 2 months.  

3. Protection Against Influenza and COVID-19 During Pregnancy 

Influenza in pregnant women is not just a temporary runny nose or fever. Due to natural physiological changes in the functioning of the immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, pregnant women have an increased risk of severe respiratory infections and the development of pneumonia.  

Properly planned vaccination of pregnant women with inactivated influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent complications and hospitalization.  

What is Important to Know About Influenza Vaccination: 

• Safety: Inactivated influenza vaccines do not contain live virus and are allowed for use in any trimester of pregnancy.  
• Seasonality: It is optimal to get vaccinated in the fall, before the start of the active epidemic season.  
• Protection for the Baby: Maternal antibodies protect the newborn in the first 6 months of life, when their own influenza vaccination has not yet been conducted.  

Similarly, vaccination against COVID-19 is permitted and recommended for pregnant women at any stage to minimize the risks of preterm labor and complications.

How the Procedure Goes at "Dobrobut" 

Before performing any vaccination, the doctor evaluates the health status of the pregnant woman, measures her temperature, and confirms the absence of temporary contraindications (for example, acute illnesses with fever). The procedure takes only a few minutes, after which we recommend resting in the clinic for 30 minutes under the supervision of medical staff.  

To learn more about the availability of vaccines, calculate optimal timing, or schedule a consultation with our specialist, you can do so at your convenience. Call our contact center or fill out the form on our website.