Immunization in Pregnancy

Vaccination is important for you and your baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Vaccines protect you and your baby against diseases that can cause serious harm. Talk to your health-care provider when you are planning a pregnancy to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations.

Routine vaccines are recommended both before and during pregnancy. During every pregnancy you should receive a Tdap vaccine. Vaccination against flu is also highly recommended in pregnancy because flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant people.

Making sure your vaccinations are up to date gives you and your baby the best protection against vaccine-preventable disease.

Are vaccines safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy, such as Tdap and flu vaccines, are inactivated vaccines which contain whole or parts of killed germs that cannot infect you and are safe during pregnancy. Live vaccines are generally not given during pregnancy unless the risk of infection is high, such as during outbreaks.

Services related to this information:

• Contact your public health nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555.