Vaccinations for pregnant women and women attempting to become pregnant

Abstract

Infectious diseases are a potential source of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Every pregnant woman, as well as women actively attempting to become pregnant, should seek specific counselling regarding immunization recommendations. If pregnant women or women attempting to become pregnant plan long-distance travel, immunization requirements should be discussed, especially if their travel destination is within an area endemic for diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, tuberculosis, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus-associated diseases, leishmaniosis, toxoplasmosis, and Japanese encephalitis. In general, toxoid vaccinations, inactivated vaccinations, and immunoglobulins can be safely administered during pregnancy, whereas live vaccinations are contraindicated. Recommended vaccinations during pregnancy include tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in the case of insufficient immunization status, as well as the seasonal influenza vaccination and—during the current pandemic—coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) vaccination in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Specific travel vaccinations are those against rotavirus, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcus, meningococcus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, human papilloma virus (HPV), and influenza (if not already properly vaccinated). In addition, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and polio are recommended in certain countries with endemic areas according to World Health Organization specifications. Some countries may have additional vaccination regulations regarding cholera and meningococcus. Vaccinations “per indication” are required if the travel destination is an area with specific locally increased risks.