During pregnancy, the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine are recommended. These vaccines help protect both the mother and the baby.
Vaccines Recommended During Pregnancy
The reference provides specific examples of vaccines recommended during pregnancy:
- Inactivated Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Protects against influenza. Inactivated vaccines do not contain live viruses.
- Whooping Cough Vaccine (Tdap): Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Why These Vaccines?
These vaccines are recommended because they offer protection to both the pregnant person and their newborn. Babies are especially vulnerable to these illnesses, and vaccination during pregnancy allows the mother to pass on antibodies that protect the baby in the first few months of life.
What is an Inactivated Vaccine?
An inactivated vaccine contains a killed version of the virus or bacteria. This means it cannot cause the disease it is protecting against, making it safe for use during pregnancy.
