Niagara Parents Knowledge Base (To be used by Healthcare Professionals only - DO NOT SHARE EXTERNALLY) > Prenatal Health > Healthy Pregnancy > Vaccinations
Vaccinations During Pregnancy

References:

  1. Government of Canada - Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide
  2. Government of Canada - COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide
  3. HealthLinkBC - Immunizations and Pregnancy
  4. SOGC Pregnancy Info - Vaccinations
  5. Government of Ontario - COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy


Influenza (flu) vaccine

  • You can safely get the flu vaccine any time before or during pregnancy
  • One dose is recommended during each flu season
  • Pregnant people are at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu
  • Influenza vaccines can be received at the same time as, or anytime before or after other vaccines (including COVID-19 vaccines)
  • Getting the flu during pregnancy increases the risk of:
    • Stillbirth
    • Premature birth
    • Low birth weight


Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine

  • One dose recommended in every pregnancy (regardless of any previous doses) to protect against pertussis (also known as whooping cough)
    • This disease poses the greatest risk to babies less than 4 months old
    • Parents and siblings are a key source for pertussis infection in infants and young children
  • The preferred time to get a Tdap vaccine is between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy
    • Other times are also fine and will still protect the pregnant person and baby


COVID-19 vaccine

  • The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people to have before becoming pregnant or in any trimester of pregnancy
  • It is important to stay up-to-date with your vaccines and receive all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster doses
  • A mRNA vaccine is preferred and safe to receive
  • COVID-19 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of:
    • Hospitalization
    • Preterm birth
    • Low birth weight
    • Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit


By being fully vaccinated, a pregnant person:

  • Protects themselves from disease
  • Lowers the risk of pregnancy complications
  • Lowers the risk of passing infections along to their baby
  • Gives protection to their new baby through antibodies, especially if they choose to breastfeed


Is it safe to receive vaccinations during pregnancy?

  • For most people, the vaccines recommended here are safe to receive during pregnancy
    • If you are allergic, or have had side-effects in the past, you should speak to your healthcare provider
  • Other vaccines, like live vaccines, may not be recommended
    • Speak to your healthcare provider about any vaccination recommendations
  • Your healthcare provider might recommend other vaccinations during your pregnancy
    • This would be based on your situation and your health


Further Your Learning:

  1. Government of Canada - Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide
  2. Government of Canada - COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide
  3. SOGC Pregnancy Info - Vaccinations
  4. Government of Ontario - COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy


Shareable Resources For Clients:

  1. HealthLinkBC - Immunizations and Pregnancy
  2. Immunizecanada


Referral Sources:

  1. Niagara Region – Vaccine Team – 905-688-8248 ext. 7425