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Pregnancy & Immunization

For those vaccinated during pregnancy, they not only protect themselves but also pass on that protection to their baby and prevent the spread of germs.

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Keep track of the whole family’s vaccinations.

Vaccination protects against diseases that can cause serious harm. That's why getting vaccinated is very important, especially during and after pregnancy.

For those vaccinated during pregnancy, they not only protect themselves but also pass on that protection to their baby and prevent the spread of germs.1

This protection continues to be shared with the baby through breastfeeding.2

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe and effective, and staying up to date with your vaccinations is important to prevent diseases that can cause complications for you and your baby.

Why is getting vaccinated during pregnancy important?

The Immune system is changed during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique time for the entire body. The same goes for the immune system, where those who are pregnant experience a changed immune response. This makes those who are pregnant more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

To accommodate and support a growing fetus, the immune system undergoes many significant changes. While these changes to the immune system can help support the fetus, they are also associated with an altered ability to fight off infections like the flu or COVID-19.

Also, increased levels of hormones during pregnancy (such as estrogen and progesterone) may change the body's response to infectious diseases.3 This means that those who are pregnant are at increased risk of getting an infection, which could lead to severe outcomes for both the person who is pregnant as well as the fetus or newborn.

Why is getting vaccinated during pregnancy important?

Getting vaccinated is the best defense for those who are pregnant against seasonal infections like the flu and COVID-19

Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Pregnancy leads to a higher chance of being hospitalized compared to the general population.4 These illnesses can lead to severe outcomes and could result in hospital and/or intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. These conditions can significantly impact the health and well-being of an individual and their baby, underscoring the importance of prevention measures like getting vaccinated.

Getting the flu shot during pregnancy gives protection against the flu for both the pregnant person and the baby. Research studies have shown that receiving the flu vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related acute respiratory infections in those who are pregnant by up to 50%.5

Curious to learn more about the flu vaccine? 
Refer to our Getting the Flu Shot page in the Knowledge Centre. 
Did you know?

Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective

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Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is a safe and highly effective way to ensure the well-being of both the pregnant individual and their baby by providing protection against potentially harmful diseases. Vaccines are also safe during breastfeeding, and antibodies can be passed to the baby through breastfeeding, potentially providing them with additional immunity to certain illnesses.6 Different vaccines are recommended before, during, and after pregnancy.

Live attenuated vaccines (vaccines that use a weakened “attenuated” version of the virus) are usually not recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.

How does vaccination protect the fetus and newborn before, during and after pregnancy?

Vaccination reduces the risk of adverse birth outcomes
One of the most important reasons that a person should get vaccinated during pregnancy is to protect the development of the fetus. Studies have shown that 40% of preterm pregnancies (pregnancies that occur earlier than 37 weeks) are associated with bacterial or viral infections that were contracted by the mother during pregnancy.7 Not only have infections in pregnant individuals been linked to preterm births, there is also evidence that they can increase a child's risk of developing severe health outcomes.8 The high level of stress placed on the immune system is thought to contribute to these outcomes. One of the best ways to protect the baby and ensure that they have a healthy future is by getting vaccinated during pregnancy.
It's important for those around your baby to be vaccinated
Everyone wants to see the new baby after it is born! It is important to think about making sure that those around the baby are not spreading germs that could harm them. This is why friends and family should be encouraged to get vaccinated to protect both the individual who had the baby and the baby itself from exposure to illness. Even people that feel well can have contagious symptoms.

Some of the vaccines that should be considered by those in close contact with a newborn or pregnant individual are the flu, COVID-19, and Pertussis vaccines. For more information on which vaccines to consider, speak with your health care provider.

What vaccinations are especially important to protect the fetus and newborns?

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Influenza

COVID-19 (mRNA)

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious infection that affects the lungs and airways. While anyone can contract pertussis, it poses the greatest risk to children under one year of age. Infants are particularly vulnerable to pertussis because they cannot be vaccinated until 2 months of age. Even when babies are old enough to be vaccinated, it takes time to develop an immune response and multiple doses of pertussis-containing vaccines are required before the baby develops a more robust immune response. This is why it's crucial for adults and older children who are in close proximity to newborns are vaccinated to prevent spread.

Did you know?

Pertussis is commonly called "Whooping Cough" because of the thick mucous that accumulated in the lungs and airways, which results in an extremely severe cough. It is named after the distinct "whooping" sound that someone makes when they cough.

Pertussis can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications in infants. About half of the babies below the age of one who get pertussis require hospitalization. Babies born preterm are at even greater risk. The younger the baby is when they contract the infection, the higher the likelihood of hospital treatment. Among hospitalized infants with pertussis, approximately one in five develop a lung infection (pneumonia), and approximately one in 100 pass away from the disease.9

Getting vaccinated with pertussis during pregnancy can not only pass on immunity to the fetus, but also decrease the chance of direct caregivers and those around the baby of spreading the infection to the baby.

Influenza poses a significant risk to newborns and developing babies, as it can have detrimental effects on their health. One common symptom of influenza that a pregnant person can experience is a fever, and scientists have discovered a connection between elevated body temperature and adverse outcomes for developing babies. This highlights the importance of protecting infants from influenza, as it can potentially lead to serious complications during the crucial stages of early childhood development.

After a baby is born they have to wait six months before they can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. This period in time, before they can get vaccinated, is when they are most vulnerable to these diseases. Pregnant people who get vaccinated can help pass antibodies to the fetus, and once the baby is born, through breastfeeding. This immunity transferred by the parent can help protect the baby from infection until they are old enough to get vaccinated, as well as prevent the spread to their baby.10

TThose who are pregnant are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, including severe illness and hospitalization. Becoming infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy is also associated with complications for the baby too, including premature birth, low birth weight, and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that pregnant people receive a full series of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, including a booster dose, to protect both the person carrying and their baby from COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes related to COVID-19. Pregnant people who get vaccinated can  help pass antibodies to the fetus through the placenta, as well as through breastfeeding when the baby is born.11

Vaccines recommended during pregnancy

Pertussis
During Pregnancy
13-26 weeks
May be considered
27-32 weeks Recommended
33-36 weeks May be considered
During Breastfeeding
Recommended if no dose has been received during adulthood
Influenza*
During Pregnancy
Recommended* anytime during pregnancy, especially during flu season
During Breastfeeding
Recommended if not vaccinated during pregnancy
COVID-19 (mRNA)
During Pregnancy
Recommended anytime during pregnancy
During Breastfeeding
Recommended if not vaccinated during pregnancy

Vaccines recommended during pregnancy

During Pregnancy
During Breastfeeding
Pertussis
Learn More
13-26 weeks
May be considered
27-32 weeks Recommended
33-36 weeks May be considered
Recommended if no dose has been received during adulthood
Influenza*
Learn More
Recommended* anytime during pregnancy, especially during flu season
Recommended if not vaccinated during pregnancy
COVID-19 (mRNA)
Recommended anytime during pregnancy
Recommended if not vaccinated during pregnancy

*Live attenuated vaccines are not recommended for pregnant individuals.



** Some people may need to consider other vaccines before, during, and after pregnancy if they are at higher risk for a specific infectious disease. For more information on vaccines for higher risk individuals click here, or talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.

Still unsure what vaccinations you need?

Let CANImmunize help you track your vaccinations during pregnancy

Where & how to get vaccinated

There are several places where an individual can learn more about a vaccine and get immunized during pregnancy, such as the office of your primary healthcare provider, local healthcare clinics, and pharmacies.

To find the pharmacies or clinics nearest you that provide routine vaccinations for pregnant individuals, you can visit Vaccines 411 for more information.

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What percentage of preterm pregnancies are associated with infections contracted by the mother?

50%
40%
30%
20%

The correct answer is: 

50% percent of prenatal pregnancies are associated with an infectious disease contracted by the pregnant parent.

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Next Question

How soon can a newborn baby receive the vaccine for pertussis (whooping cough)?

Immediately after birth
After 1 month
After 2 months
After 6 months

The correct answer is: 

Babies can only receive the Tdap (for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine after two months of life.

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What percent of babies below the age of 1 year old who get whooping cough are admitted to hospital?

8%
17%
35%
50%

The correct answer is: 

50% of infants under the age of who get whooping cough end up in the hospital.

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Why is it important for pregnant individuals to get vaccinated during pregnancy?

To reduce the risk of infectious diseases for themselves
To prevent preterm births
To ensure a healthy future for the child
All of the above

The correct answer is: 

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy not only protects a person from infectious diseases but it can also reduce the risk of preterm births for those who are infected. Additionally, immunity can be transferred to the fetus providing protection to the baby in the early stages of development before they are able to get vaccinated.

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Next Question

What percent of preterm pregnancies are associated with a bacterial or viral infection?

8%
15%
40%
60%

The correct answer is: 

40% of preterm pregnancies have been associated with a pregnant individual contracting an infectious disease during pregnancy.

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