Essential Vaccines During Pregnancy: How Immunization Protects Mothers and Newborns:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Vaccines are instrumental during pregnancy as they protect both mothers and their unborn babies. Immunizations done during pregnancy helps to alleviate health risks and improves outcomes for both the mother and the child.

In the later stages of pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is more susceptible to infections. Dr. Mini Salunkhe from Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune highlights that there is a need to minimize complications associated with influenza, COVID-19, and whooping cough, making immunizations important.

“Vaccines serve as a protective shield during pregnancy, helping to prevent infections that can lead to premature delivery or low birth weight,” stresses Dr. Salunkhe.

Maternal vaccination comes with a multitude of benefits. One of these is bestowing passive immunity to the baby. In getting vaccinated, the body of the pregnant woman strengthens her defenses with antibodies which she formulates during the pregnancy, and they are transferred to the child via the placenta, shielding the baby during the first few months post-birth when vaccination cannot be administered directly.

In addition to protecting newborns, this assistance is critical in curtailing life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough or seasonal flu that lead to hospitalization. Vaccinated women also tend to experience lesser chances of preterm labor further improving birth results.

Recommended Vaccines for Pregnant Women in India

Dr. Salunkhe outlines some vaccines which are strongly recommended in the antenatal period:

Tetanus or TD (Tetanus-Diphthera)
When: After 16 weeks

Why: Prevents maternal as well as neonatal tetanus

Note: Important for India’s national immunisation schedule

TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
When: 27-36 weeks

Why: Protecting babies from whooping cough

Note: Considered safe and suggested in every pregnancy

Flu (Influenza)
When: Anytime in pregnancy (but preferably after 12 weeks)

Why: Preventing severe flu complications

Note: Should be administered during flu season

COVID-19 Vaccine
When: Any trimester

Why: Pregnant women can suffer severe illness; this reduces that risk

Note: Covaxin and Covishield are approved for use in India

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

There is still some vaccine hesitancy in the guidance given. Some pregnant women are scared to get vaccinated because of the potential side effects or possible harm to their baby. Dr. Salunkhe stresses the importance of communication.

“Each of women’s concerns has to be addressed with kindness, with explanation of the facts and science of why these vaccinations are safe,” she states.