Vaccination in pregnancy: A call to all providers for help

Abstract

Vaccination in pregnancy is an important part of maternity care, but maternal immunization rates continue to be below national benchmarks. Influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations have been shown to be safe and provide important protections to pregnant women, the fetus, and neonates. Although obstetrician-gynecologists provide the bulk of pregnancy care, general internists and medical specialists have frequent clinical encounters with maternity patients and should assist in immunization education and administration.