What Are the Scheduled Vaccines in Pregnancy and Which Aren’t Routine?

Introduction

Vaccines are a cornerstone of antenatal care, ensuring the safety and health of both expectant mothers and their babies. In the UK, several vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy to prevent serious illnesses, while others may be advised based on individual circumstances. Understanding the difference between scheduled (routine) and non-routine vaccines can help expectant parents make informed decisions during their antenatal appointments.

This article explores the scheduled vaccines in pregnancy, their benefits, and the conditions under which non-routine vaccines might be considered. We also highlight how these vaccinations integrate with broader prenatal care, including practices like antenatal yoga, antenatal checkups, and the use of antenatal vitamins.

Scheduled Vaccines in Pregnancy

The NHS recommends several vaccines during pregnancy, which are considered safe and effective. These are vital for protecting the health of both mother and baby.

1. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine

The whooping cough vaccine is a routine vaccination offered to all pregnant women in the UK.

Why It’s Recommended: Whooping cough can be life-threatening for newborns, causing severe respiratory issues. Vaccination ensures that maternal antibodies pass to the baby, providing early protection.

Timing: Administered between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

How It’s Given: Typically offered during regular antenatal checkups at an NHS antenatal clinic.

Safety: Extensively researched, the vaccine is safe for both mother and baby.

2. Flu Vaccine

Pregnancy increases the risk of severe flu complications, making the flu vaccine an essential part of antenatal care during flu season.

Why It’s Recommended: Protects against serious complications like pneumonia and reduces the risk of premature birth.

Timing: Offered between October and March, at any stage of pregnancy.

How It’s Given: Available at GP surgeries and NHS clinics.

Safety: The inactivated flu vaccine has a long history of safe use in pregnant women.

3. COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 poses significant risks to pregnant women, including severe illness and preterm birth. The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended to mitigate these risks.

Why It’s Recommended: Reduces the risk of severe complications and passes protective antibodies to the baby.

Timing: Can be administered at any stage of pregnancy, with booster doses advised during high-risk periods.

Safety: Extensive studies confirm the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.

4. RSV Vaccine

The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine is a newly introduced option for pregnant women in the UK.

Why It’s Recommended: Protects newborns from RSV-related illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which are leading causes of infant hospitalisation.

Timing: Administered between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

How It’s Given: Provided during routine antenatal appointments at NHS facilities.

Safety: Approved after rigorous testing, it has proven effective in reducing RSV-related hospitalisations by up to 80%.

Vaccines That Aren’t Routine But May Be Recommended

In certain situations, non-routine vaccines may be advised based on the mother’s individual health risks or travel plans.

1. Hepatitis B Vaccine

This vaccine is recommended for women at risk of hepatitis B infection, such as those who work in healthcare or have close contact with individuals infected with hepatitis B.

Why It’s Recommended: Prevents mother-to-child transmission during delivery.

Timing: Can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

2. Travel Vaccines

For women travelling to areas where certain diseases are prevalent, specific vaccines may be recommended.

Examples: Typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies vaccines.

Considerations: Always consult with a healthcare provider before receiving these vaccines, as some (e.g., live vaccines) are not recommended during pregnancy.

3. Tetanus Booster

While the whooping cough vaccine includes protection against tetanus, a separate booster may be advised for women who have sustained injuries and are due for an update.

4. Meningococcal Vaccine

In rare cases, women at increased risk of meningitis may be advised to receive this vaccine.

How Vaccines Fit into Antenatal Care

Vaccines are a vital part of a comprehensive antenatal care plan. They work in conjunction with other measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

1. Integration with Routine Antenatal Appointments

Scheduled vaccines are administered during regular antenatal checkups at NHS antenatal clinics, making it easy to stay on track with vaccination timelines.

2. Nutritional Support and Antenatal Vitamins

A balanced diet and the use of antenatal vitamins like folic acid and vitamin D support maternal and foetal health, complementing the protective benefits of vaccines.

3. Complementary Practices

Antenatal Yoga: Practising yoga during pregnancy helps reduce stress and promotes physical well-being, making it easier to manage vaccinations and other healthcare routines.

Prenatal Massage: Techniques like prenatal massage can alleviate discomfort, helping pregnant women feel more relaxed and prepared for medical appointments.

Addressing Concerns About Vaccines in Pregnancy

1. Are Vaccines Safe?

Yes. All routine vaccines recommended during pregnancy have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and efficacy.

2. What If I Miss a Vaccine?

If you miss a scheduled vaccine, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule.

3. Are There Side Effects?

Mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or fatigue are common but short-lived. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

FAQs About Vaccines in Pregnancy

1. Can I Decline Vaccines?

Yes, vaccination is voluntary. However, declining vaccines may increase the risk of preventable illnesses for both mother and baby.

2. Do Vaccines Protect My Baby?

Yes. Vaccines administered during pregnancy pass antibodies to the baby, providing immunity during their early months.

3. Are Live Vaccines Safe in Pregnancy?

No, live vaccines (e.g., MMR) are not recommended during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between scheduled and non-routine vaccines during pregnancy is essential for making informed decisions about maternal and infant health. Routine vaccines like whooping cough, flu, COVID-19, and RSV are vital components of antenatal care, offering proven protection against serious illnesses.

Non-routine vaccines may be recommended based on individual circumstances, such as travel plans or specific health risks. By incorporating vaccination into a broader prenatal care plan that includes antenatal appointments, nutritional support, and relaxation practices like antenatal yoga, parents can ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their baby.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and make vaccination a priority in your journey toward a healthy pregnancy.

Sources

NHS (2023). Vaccinations During Pregnancy. Link

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2023). Guidance on Pregnancy and Vaccination. Link

Tommy’s (2023). Pregnancy Vaccines and Their Benefits. Link