Vaccination for Maternal-Fetal Protection

OB/GYN clinicians are in a unique position to encourage and provide timely immunization of women.

Within the past decade, the roles of OB/GYNs and nurse midwives in implementing immunization of women have become more prominent, bolstered by new recommendations to deliver certain vaccines specifically during or after pregnancy.

Vaccines recommended during each pregnancy

Influenza vaccine: Inactivated vaccine that prevents influenza (especially severe cases), which disproportionately affects pregnant women. Maternal influenza vaccination may also lower risk for neonatal respiratory infections. The best time to immunize is when the vaccine is first available, regardless of trimester.
Tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap): Inactivated vaccine that lowers maternal risk for pertussis; also protects newborns (who are…

Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)