Ideally, it should be given during the 27th week of pregnancy to the 36th week. However, mothers can still receive the dose before being discharged from the hospital.
Everyone should receive a booster shot of the Td vaccine every 10 years.
Additional Vaccines for Pregnant Women
Hepatitis A and B
For mothers who have a high risk of exposure to hepatitis A (HAV) or hepatitis B (HBV) viruses, they should also get vaccinated.
The hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that is safe for pregnant women. High-risk exposure includes traveling to countries where the virus is endemic, having chronic liver disease, and being a healthcare worker. Get the vaccine in 2 separate doses, 6 to 18 months apart.
The hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is given to pregnant women if she has not been previously immunized or her antibody (anti-HBs) count is low. Get the vaccine in 3 doses; 1 to 2 months for the second dose and 4 to 6 months for the third dose.
Rabies vaccines are not routine. However, in case a pregnant mother has been bitten by a dog, cat, or other infected animals, she can safely receive a shot of this vaccine. It should be given as soon as possible because a rabies infection progresses quickly and is life-threatening.
How About the COVID-19 Vaccines?
There is limited data on the safety of the vaccine during the first trimester of pregnancy, however, pregnant women can still get vaccinated. The mRNA-type COVID vaccines can be offered to pregnant and breastfeeding women. You can avail of the vaccine if you are part of the current priority group (e.g. A3, A4).
Like with other vaccines, it is best to get it after the first trimester. Additionally, if you get the COVID vaccine, wait at least 14 days before and after getting another vaccine.
Which Vaccines Should Pregnant Women Avoid?
Aside from the vaccines that were recommended above, women should take note of the vaccines to avoid while pregnant. Most of these vaccines are live vaccines that can potentially harm a growing fetus, that is why they are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Here is a list of the vaccines to avoid during pregnancy:
- Chickenpox (varicella zoster, VZV)*
- Pneumococcal (PCV, PPSV)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)*
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Polio (OPV*, IPV)
- Dengue*
- Yellow Fever*
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