Vaccination during pregnancy and its significant benefits have become increasingly known to the general public and general practitioners or 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 months after childbirth.
Vaccination of pregnant women can be divided into two main categories: vaccination before pregnancy and vaccination during pregnancy itself.
VACCINATION BEFORE PREGNANCY
Before a planned pregnancy, it is important to ensure that a woman is vaccinated against certain diseases that could pose a risk to the child and herself. This includes vaccination against rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
Rubella vaccination (MMR vaccine)
Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by droplets that can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage or developmental malformations of the fetus. Rubella vaccination is carried out with the combined MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and is part of the standard childhood vaccination schedule. If a woman does not have a confirmed rubella immunization, it is recommended that she be vaccinated at least one month before planning a pregnancy.
Chickenpox vaccination (varicella)
Chickenpox is another highly contagious disease transmitted by droplets that can have serious consequences in pregnant women, including miscarriage, congenital varicella or developmental malformations of the fetus. If a woman does not have a medical record confirming that she has had or been vaccinated against chickenpox, an antibody test is recommended. If the antibody level is not sufficient, the woman should undergo vaccination, which is usually administered in two doses with a monthly interval. Vaccination must be completed at least 1 month before the planned pregnancy.
VACCINATION DURING PREGNANCY
Vaccination during pregnancy aims to protect the mother from serious infectious diseases and at the same time transfer antibodies to the child through the placenta, which will provide protection during the first months of life, when he is not yet protected by the hexavaccine.
Vaccination against influenza and covid-19
Influenza and covid-19 are respiratory diseases transmitted by droplets that can be severe in pregnant women and endanger the health of both the mother and the child. The growing uterus compresses the lungs, increasing the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia. In some cases, placental infarction can occur with a direct threat to the child’s life. Vaccination against these viruses is recommended at any time during pregnancy, especially during flu season and periods of increased incidence of covid-19. Vaccination is individually planned based on the mother’s health status and the current epidemiological situation.
Vaccination against pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap vaccine)
Pertussis (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 bacteria affects the respiratory tract, where its toxin forces the infected person to have long and repeated exhausting coughing fits. This can be particularly risky for fragile newborns and infants. Vaccination against pertussis is recommended for every pregnant woman in the third trimester, ideally between the 27th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, and for every pregnancy, regardless of previous vaccination status. This vaccination helps to transfer protective antibodies to the child that protect them from whooping cough in the first months of life, before the hexavaccine begins to protect them.
Vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a virus that can cause serious respiratory tract infections in newborns and infants, especially small bronchi (bronchiolitis). As a result of this infection, swelling and damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract occur, with the risk of their complete closure, which can lead to the need for oxygen support and even the risk of death. Unfortunately, there is no specific therapy for the disease yet. Vaccination for children is not yet available in the Czech Republic. The only possible protection of otherwise healthy newborns in the Czech Republic is vaccination of pregnant women with subsequent transplacental transfer of antibodies. Vaccination against RSV is recommended in the third trimester, ideally between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy, when the due date is from September to January (to March).
In some specific cases, a pregnant woman may be recommended to be vaccinated against other diseases, depending on individual risks, e.g. due to traveling abroad.
INDIVIDUAL VACCINATION PLAN
We compile a vaccination plan individually based on the needs of a particular woman. We approach the vaccination of pregnant women according to clear data from current high-quality studies. Currently, it is an integral part of comprehensive care for a pregnant woman. Do not hesitate to contact us, whether for your own vaccination or just to consult your questions.
Basic vaccinations during pregnancy:
whooping cough after the 27th TT regardless of previous vaccination
flu regardless of the trimester before the respiratory season
covid-19