Vaccination of Pregnant Women

by broucek.milos | 4. 8. 2026 | Vaccination updates

VACCINATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN

Vaccination during pregnancy and its significant benefits have been gaining increasing recognition among the general public, as well as among primary care physicians and gynecologists, in recent years. This vaccination serves not only to protect the expectant mother but also her child, both during pregnancy and in the first few months after birth.

Vaccinations for pregnant women can be divided into two main categories: vaccinations before pregnancy and vaccinations during pregnancy.

VACCINATIONS BEFORE PREGNANCY

Before planning a pregnancy, it is important to ensure that a woman has been vaccinated against certain diseases that could pose a risk to both the baby and herself. These include vaccinations against rubella and chickenpox.

Rubella Vaccination (MMR Vaccine)

Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets that can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage or fetal malformations. Vaccination against rubella is administered using the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) combination vaccine and is part of the standard childhood immunization schedule. If a woman does not have confirmed immunity to rubella, it is recommended that she get vaccinated at least one month before planning to become pregnant.

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccination

Chickenpox is another highly contagious disease transmitted through respiratory droplets that can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including miscarriage, congenital chickenpox, or fetal malformations. If a woman’s medical records do not confirm that she has had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, an antibody test is recommended. If antibody levels are insufficient, the woman should receive the vaccine, which is typically administered in two doses one month apart. The vaccination must be completed at least one month before planning to become pregnant.

VACCINATIONS DURING PREGNANCY

Vaccination during pregnancy is intended to protect the mother from serious infectious diseases and, at the same time , pass antibodies to the baby through the placenta, providing the baby with protection during the first months of life, when it is not yet protected by the hexavalent vaccine.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

The flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses transmitted through droplets that can take a severe course in pregnant women and endanger the health of both the mother and the baby. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the lungs, increasing the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia. In some cases, placental infarction may occur, posing a direct threat to the baby’s life. Vaccination against these viruses is recommended at any time during pregnancy, especially during flu season and periods of increased COVID-19 transmission. Vaccination is planned on an individual basis based on the mother’s health status and the current epidemiological situation.

Vaccination against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria (Tdap vaccine)

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial disease that is extremely contagious and highly dangerous, especially for newborns, in whom it can lead to hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) and sometimes even death. The bacterium affects the respiratory tract, where its toxin causes the infected person to experience long, repeated, and exhausting coughing fits. This can be particularly risky for fragile newborns and infants. Vaccination against whooping cough is recommended for all pregnant women during the third trimester, ideally between the 27th and 36th weeks of pregnancy ...and this applies to every pregnancy, regardless of previous vaccination status. This vaccination helps pass protective antibodies to the baby, which protect it from whooping cough during the first months of life, before the hexavalent vaccine begins to provide protection.

Vaccination Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a virus that can cause severe respiratory infections in newborns and infants, particularly in the small airways (bronchiolitis). This infection causes swelling and damage to the respiratory tract mucosa, with a risk of complete obstruction, which may lead to the need for oxygen support or even death. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment for the disease. Vaccination for children is not yet available in the Czech Republic. The only possible protection for otherwise healthy newborns in the Czech Republic is vaccination of pregnant women, followed by transplacental transfer of antibodies. Vaccination against RSV is recommended during the third trimester, ideally between the 32nd and 36th weeks of pregnancy , when the due date is between September and January (or March).

In certain specific cases, a pregnant woman may be advised to get vaccinated against other diseases, depending on her individual risks—for example, if she is traveling abroad.

INDIVIDUAL VACCINATION PLAN

We develop vaccination plans on an individual basis, tailored to each woman’s specific needs. We approach vaccination for pregnant women based on clear data from current, high-quality studies. It is currently an integral part of comprehensive care for pregnant women. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, whether for your own vaccination or simply to discuss any questions you may have.

Essential Vaccinations During Pregnancy:

Whooping cough at 27 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of prior vaccination

The flu, regardless of the trimester, before flu season

COVID-19, regardless of the trimester, before the respiratory season

RSV for births occurring between September and March during the third trimester (ideally between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation)

Michal Skurák, M.D., Veronika Jegorova, M.D.

Why vaccinate a child against chickenpox?

by broucek.milos | 29. 7. 2026 | Vaccination updates

Chickenpox (varicella) is often considered a common childhood illness that “it’s better to get over with.” However, current scientific evidence shows that vaccination is a safer way to gain immunity than contracting the infection itself.

Although most children recover from the illness without any lasting effects, some may develop complications that require medical treatment or hospitalization. These include, in particular, bacterial infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, pneumonia, cerebellitis, encephalitis, dehydration, or severe disease progression in children with weakened immune systems. Complications can also occur in otherwise healthy children, and it is not possible to reliably predict in advance who will be affected.

Countries that have implemented widespread vaccination against chickenpox have seen a significant decline in the number of cases, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and deaths related to chickenpox. In addition, the two-dose vaccination schedule provides very high protection against severe forms of the disease and also significantly reduces the risk of mild cases.

Vaccination does not only protect the child. It also reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to infants, pregnant women, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems, for whom chickenpox can have very serious consequences.

The best time to get vaccinated is before your child starts attending a group setting or before they have had chickenpox. If you’re unsure whether vaccination is appropriate for your child, we’d be happy to discuss their health status, vaccination history, and current recommendations during a personal consultation and suggest the best course of action.

Vaccination is an effective way to prevent the disease and its complications. The decision is always up to the parents, but it should be based on current medical knowledge and an individual assessment of the child’s health.