Some people may still doubt and question how safe the diphtheria vaccine is for pregnant women. In fact, the benefits derived from giving the vaccine outweigh the potential dangers that exist, both for the mother and the baby she is carrying.
Diphtheria can affect anyone, including pregnant women. Giving diphtheria vaccine for pregnant women is useful to protect themselves and their babies from bacterial infections. Pregnant women do not need to worry too much, the diphtheria vaccine is classified as a safe vaccine because it does not contain live bacteria.
Diphtheria Vaccine for Pregnant Women
In addition to providing protection against diphtheria, the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP) vaccine can also strengthen the baby's immune system against tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis), both during pregnancy and at birth. Both diseases can be very dangerous for the baby.
Therefore, the Tdap type of DTP vaccine is recommended at 27–36 weeks of gestation or if this is not possible, the vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy. The Tdap vaccine can also be given without considering when was the last time pregnant women received this vaccine.
Just like immunization in general, pregnant women may experience certain side effects after vaccination, known as post-immunization co-occurrence (AEFI). Possible effects usually include a low-grade fever, pain, and swelling at the injection site.
In addition to the diphtheria vaccine, there are several other types of vaccines that are recommended for pregnant women, such as the influenza vaccine, especially if you are pregnant during flu season, and the hepatitis B vaccine specifically for pregnant women with a high risk of this disease.
Vaccines to Avoid During Pregnancy
Other types of vaccines, especially vaccines containing live viruses/bacteria, should not be given to pregnant women because they can harm the fetus. Vaccines that are not recommended for pregnant women include:
1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
The MMR vaccine that prevents measles, mumps and rubella is given at least 1 month before pregnancy.
2. Varicella
The effect of varicella vaccine on the fetus is not known with certainty. Therefore, the vaccine used to prevent chickenpox should be given at least 1 month before pregnancy to be safer.
3. Polio
Polio vaccination is generally not recommended for pregnant women, except in special circumstances when the risk of polio infection increases. However, the administration of this vaccine must still be in accordance with the considerations and advice of doctors.
4. Pneumococcal
Vaccine safety pneumococcal not known for certain for pregnant women. So, you should consult a doctor first to ensure the benefits and risks.
5. Hepatitis A
Just like vaccines pneumococcalHowever, the safety of the hepatitis A vaccine has not been confirmed for pregnant women. Although theoretically the risk of harm to the fetus is low, this vaccine should only be considered in pregnancy conditions with a high risk of exposure to hepatitis A.
It is natural for pregnant women to be hesitant about vaccines during pregnancy because they are worried about the side effects. However, the diphtheria vaccine for pregnant women is considered safe. how come.
This vaccine is actually recommended because it can protect mothers and babies from dangerous diseases, especially if there are diphtheria in the environment around pregnant women.
To be even safer, you should first consult with your doctor to find out what type of vaccine pregnant women need and what effects the vaccine has. Also ask about the vaccines that should be obtained before pregnancy so that preparation for the next pregnancy is more mature.
