Relies on passive transplacental immunoglobulin g transfer.
Facilitates immunoglobulin a transfer through breast milk.
Prevents neonatal morbidity prior to active childhood immunization.
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
Vaccine
Timing
Primary Goal
Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis
27-36 weeks
Prevents infant pertussis <2 months.
Inactivated influenza
Any trimester
Prevents infant flu <6 months.
Respiratory syncytial virus
32-36 weeks
Prevents infant severe lower respiratory tract disease.
Coronavirus disease
Any trimester
Prevents severe maternal disease and preterm birth.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, And Acellular Pertussis
Requires one dose during each pregnancy regardless of prior vaccination history.
Optimal administration timing spans 27 to 36 weeks.
Unimmunized women require one tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis dose plus one tetanus, reduced diphtheria dose separated by at least one month.
Protects infants <2 months before primary infant vaccination series begins.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
Forms integral part of routine prenatal care.
Safe for administration during any trimester.
Reduces infant influenza infections by 63% during first six months of life.
Half-life of maternally acquired antibodies lasts 42-50 days.
Live attenuated influenza vaccine remains absolutely contraindicated.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine
Employs bivalent prefusion f protein-based vaccine.
Administered strictly between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.
Provides 82% efficacy against medically attended severe infant lower respiratory illness up to 3 months.
Postmarketing safety trials demonstrate no increased risk of preterm birth or adverse neonatal outcomes.
World health organization recommends either maternal vaccine or infant long-acting monoclonal antibodies, avoiding simultaneous use for the same mother-infant pair.
Coronavirus Disease Vaccine
Pregnancy increases risk for intensive care admission, mechanical ventilation, and stillbirth.
