The primary injection recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy is the Tdap vaccine.
The Tdap Vaccine in the Third Trimester
The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is crucial for both the mother and the newborn's health.
- Purpose: The main purpose of administering the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy is to provide passive immunity to the newborn against pertussis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection in infants.
- Timing: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is considered the optimal timing to ensure the baby receives the maximum protective antibodies from the mother.
- Why it's important: Newborns are too young to receive the pertussis vaccine themselves. By vaccinating during pregnancy, the mother's body creates antibodies that are passed to the baby through the placenta.
- Repeat Vaccination: It's also important to note that you should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, regardless of your vaccination history. As stated in our reference: One dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy. That's true no matter when you had your last Tdap vaccination.
- Benefits:
- Protect your newborn from whooping cough, which can be life-threatening in babies.
- Provide the baby with antibodies when they are too young to receive their own vaccine.
- Boost maternal immunity against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
- Help protect the wider community by limiting spread of infectious diseases.
Why This Timing?
The 27 to 36 week window allows sufficient time for the mother's body to build immunity and for the antibodies to transfer to the baby before birth.
Summary
| Injection | Purpose | Timing | Recommended During Each Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tdap Vaccine | Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) | 27-36 weeks | Yes |
In conclusion, the Tdap vaccine is the main injection recommended during the third trimester to protect both the mother and the newborn, especially against pertussis.
