The vaccines that should be received before pregnancy:

Before you become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider or local public health authorities to ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

- Hepatitis B vaccine: Recommended for those who have not been vaccinated before. It prevents the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child. Chronic carriers of hepatitis B should discuss additional preventive steps with their healthcare provider.

- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Recommended for those who have not been vaccinated before. It reduces the risk of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases. Vaccination before pregnancy also prevents the transmission of HPV to the fetus.

- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella): Recommended before pregnancy if not previously vaccinated. Two doses provide full protection. Because the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, it should be given at least one month before pregnancy and is not given during pregnancy. Rubella infection in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome.

- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: Recommended before pregnancy if you have not had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox in early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects and can cause serious complications for pregnant individuals, such as pneumonia. The chickenpox vaccine is publicly funded for babies born in 2000 or later, and for those with certain health conditions or living with someone who is immunocompromised. Others may need to pay for the vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider to confirm your eligibility and immunity before pregnancy.

- Hepatitis A vaccine: Recommended before pregnancy if not previously vaccinated, especially for individuals traveling to high-risk areas or those at higher occupational risks. Hepatitis A can cause severe illness during pregnancy. The vaccine is not government funded, but may be covered for those at higher risk.

Note: Many adults have immunity against some of these diseases from previous infections or vaccinations, but it is important to confirm immunity with a healthcare provider before pregnancy.

The vaccines you need during pregnancy:

Some vaccines are especially important during pregnancy because they:

• Protect you from serious illnesses, hospitalization, and complications that are more likely to occur during pregnancy.

• Transfer antibodies to your baby, providing protection in the early months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated.

- Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: It is recommended to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during every pregnancy to protect you and your baby from serious illnesses. The antibodies from these vaccines transfer to your baby, providing protection in the early months of life. The influenza vaccine is available every fall, typically starting in September or October. COVID-19 vaccines are available year-round. Family members and caregivers should also be vaccinated to help protect newborns from infections.

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: It is recommended to receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns from severe RSV infection, which can cause pneumonia and hospitalization. Infants are at greater risk during the first six months of their lives. In Ontario, the RSV vaccine is provided free of charge for newborns during the virus infection season (from October to April). Alternative options for RSV prevention, such as the "Palivizumab" injection, are given to the baby right after birth. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider regarding this decision.

- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine: It is recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine free of charge during every pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks. This vaccine protects newborns from whooping cough, which can cause severe respiratory problems in infants. If they have not received it before, it can be given until delivery. Family members and caregivers should also receive a booster dose of Tdap if they have not received it in the past ten years, to help create a protective "cocoon" around the baby.

The vaccines you need after pregnancy:

If you missed any of the recommended vaccinations before or during pregnancy, you should receive them after your baby is born. This includes the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and the chickenpox vaccine, which are not recommended during pregnancy. Vaccination reduces the risk of illness and prevents the transmission of infection to your baby, especially in the first few months when they are too young for vaccination.

Breastfeeding and vaccines:

Breastfeeding provides some immunity to your baby, but it is not a substitute for vaccination. While breastfeeding, it is safe for you to receive all routine vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, and the Tdap vaccine.

Conclusion: Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your baby from serious diseases. Keep your baby vaccinated regularly, and ensure your family members are vaccinated as well to create a safe environment for your child.

If you have any further questions, you can talk by phone with a doctor individually, free of charge, at the VaxFacts+ clinic (also known as HealthFacts) - book now at www.shn.ca/vaxfacts

Sources:

https://tinyurl.com/ybm4zfrt

https://www.shn.ca/vaxfacts/