Vaccination during pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnant women and their newborns are susceptible to infectious diseases. Healthcare providers must have the knowledge to provide advice and to support the use of immunizations for women who wish to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Several vaccines are now available for adolescents and women of childbearing age. Vaccination during pregnancy has the potential to provide protection to both mother and infant. Influenza and tetanus/diphtheria vaccines are routinely recommended for pregnant women. Other vaccines are available for women at risk for infection due to exposure, underlying medical conditions or travel. Live vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy. Vaccines are underutilized in pregnancy due to safety, practical and liability barriers. To address physicians and patients' concerns, research is ongoing to further support vaccination during pregnancy as an efficient, safe and effective strategy with significant potential to improve the health of women and their infants worldwide. © 2007 Future Medicine Ltd.