Pregnancy Vaccines: What You Need to Know About Safety, Timing, and Common Types

When you're pregnant, your body is doing something incredible—building a new life. But that also means your immune system works differently, making you more vulnerable to certain infections. That’s where pregnancy vaccines, vaccines given during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby from serious illnesses. Also known as maternal immunization, they don’t just keep you healthy—they pass protection to your baby before birth. It’s not about avoiding risk—it’s about giving your baby a head start.

Two vaccines are strongly recommended for almost every pregnant person: the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine that prevents serious complications from influenza during pregnancy and for months after birth, and the Tdap vaccine, a booster that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)—a disease that can be deadly for newborns. The flu shot can be given anytime during pregnancy, but Tdap is best between 27 and 36 weeks. Why then? That’s when your body makes the most antibodies to pass to your baby. These aren’t optional extras—they’re medical essentials, backed by decades of data from millions of pregnancies.

Other vaccines, like COVID-19 and RSV, are also safe and encouraged during pregnancy. The CDC, WHO, and every major medical group in North America agree: getting vaccinated while pregnant lowers your chance of hospitalization, preterm birth, and passing infections to your newborn. You might hear myths about vaccines causing harm, but studies tracking hundreds of thousands of pregnant people show no increased risk of birth defects, miscarriage, or developmental issues. The real danger? Not getting them. Babies under six months can’t get most vaccines themselves—they rely entirely on what mom passes through the placenta.

What you won’t find in most doctor’s offices is a full breakdown of how these shots work inside your body during pregnancy. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how the Tdap vaccine triggers antibody transfer to why some women skip the flu shot out of fear—not facts. You’ll see real advice on timing, what to ask your provider, and how to spot misleading claims online. Whether you’re planning your first pregnancy or on your third, this collection gives you the clear, no-fluff facts you need to protect your family.