Many ask, do pregnant women need to be vaccinated? The answer is yes. Vaccines for pregnant women are needed because mothers pregnant are at risk for infection could affect the condition of the fetus, such as congenital abnormalities, miscarriage, premature birth,and low birth weight.
In principle, the vaccine will provide benefits to the fetus and newborn through the passive transfer of immunity (antibodies) through the placenta (the placenta). Vaccines can also protect pregnant women from dangerous diseases caused by infections, such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hepatitis.
Vaccinations that need to be given before getting pregnant
Vaccination is actually not only recommended for pregnant women, but also for women who are planning a pregnancy. The recommended vaccination at this phase is the inactivated influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccine can prevent pregnant women from getting respiratory infections due to the influenza virus. This is important because fever in pregnant women due to infection, including influenza, can cause harm to the fetus, even disability.
In addition, the influenza vaccine in pregnant women also protects their babies from influenza during the first few months after birth, where this vaccine cannot be given directly to babies.
Recommended Vaccinations for Pregnant Women
To protect pregnant women and their fetuses from disease, there are several types of vaccines that are recommended to be given during pregnancy, namely tetanus toxoid - diphtheria toxoid - acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
The Tdap vaccine is recommended to be given at 27-36 weeks of gestation to maximize the immune response and enhance the transfer of antibodies to the fetus. In remote areas with incomplete vaccine facilities, tetanus toxoid vaccine can be given 2 times, 4 weeks apart.
Pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis A and B vaccines are given to pregnant women who have certain risk factors, such as having HIV, have chronic liver disease, or are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Although vaccination is still necessary during pregnancy, not all vaccines should be given to pregnant women. One of them is vaccine human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent infection with the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. The new HPV vaccine can be given after delivery or while breastfeeding.
Other vaccines that are not recommended for pregnant women are vaccines that contain live germs, such as Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), and the active influenza vaccine.
Vaccination for pregnant women can protect pregnant women and fetuses from disease. But remember, not all vaccines are safe to give to pregnant women. Therefore, consult with your obstetrician to find out what vaccinations you need to undergo during pregnancy, along with the schedule for administration.
written oleh:
dr. Aditya Prabawa, SpOG(gynecologist)
