Vaccination of pregnant women: is it safe for the health of the mother and baby?

Vaccination of pregnant women is a proven way to protect a woman and her baby from serious diseases. In the article, we tell you what vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy, when to do them and how it affects the baby's health.

Pregnancy is a special period when taking care of the health of the woman and the future child comes to the fore. But during pregnancy, the immune system weakens, which is natural, Ministry of Health.

Vaccination of pregnant women against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and influenza helps to transfer antibodies through the placenta, protecting the baby even before birth. After childbirth, these antibodies also come through breastfeeding, providing additional protection in the first months of life. This is evidenced by the results of numerous studies:(https://tinyurl.com/245vaw6m https://tinyurl.com/22a3x7w6 https://tinyurl.com/ad7se3mw and others).

Why is this important?

Infections such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and influenza can be extremely dangerous for newborns:

• Whooping cough in babies often leads to serious complications, in particular apnea (stopping of breathing). According to the WHO, in 2014, whooping cough claimed the lives of more than 160 children.
• Diphtheria without treatment is fatal for almost a third of patients.
• The lethality of tetanus in newborns reaches 100%.
• Complications from the flu, such as pneumonia or otitis, are very common among infants.

Is it safe or safe?

Yes, vaccination of pregnant women is safe, which is confirmed by numerous studies and is recommended both in the world and in Ukraine (clause 5.12 and clause 5.13 https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/z1182-19#Text).

Truth and myths about vaccination of pregnant women. Source: freepik

When to be vaccinated?

• Vaccinations against whooping cough are carried out between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, even if the vaccination was earlier.
• Vaccination against influenza is permitted in any trimester. It is also important that family members who will be in contact with the baby are also vaccinated.

Vaccination schedule for babies

According to the National Vaccination Calendar, babies are vaccinated at 2, 4, 6 months, and revaccination at 18 months.

Where to get vaccinated?

Contact your family doctor or the nearest medical facility. Vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus according to the calendar are considered free. Combined vaccines that are not yet included in the state program can be used for vaccination against whooping cough and influenza. Learn more about vaccination during pregnancy and lactation here: https://vaccine.org.ua/pro…/pro-vakczynacziyu-vagitni/Vaccination during pregnancy is an effective way to protect yourself and your baby from serious infections. Protect your children from the first days!