Pregnancy & Vaccines

Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for those not previously vaccinated. It prevents transmission of hepatitis B from mother to baby. Chronic carriers of hepatitis B should discuss additional preventive steps with their health care provider. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Recommended for those not previously vaccinated. It reduces the risk of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases. Vaccination before pregnancy prevents HPV transmission to the baby.  

MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): Recommended before pregnancy if not previously vaccinated. Two doses provide full protection. Since MMR is a live vaccine, it must be given at least one month before conception and cannot be given during pregnancy. Rubella infection during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome. 

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: Recommended before pregnancy if you have never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. Chickenpox in early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, and in pregnant individuals, it can cause severe complications like pneumonia. Varicella vaccination is publicly funded for individuals born in or after 2000 and for those with certain health conditions or living with an immunocompromised person. Others may need to pay for the vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider to confirm your eligibility and immunity before pregnancy. 

Hepatitis A Vaccine: Considered before pregnancy if not previously vaccinated, especially for individuals traveling to high-risk areas or at higher occupational risk. Hepatitis A can cause severe disease in pregnancy. The vaccine is not publicly funded but may be covered for those at higher risk. 

Flu Vaccine & COVID-19 Vaccine: The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended during every pregnancy to protect you and your baby from severe illness. Antibodies from these vaccines pass to your baby, providing protection in the first months of life. The flu 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 infection. 

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine: The RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks to protect newborns from severe RSV, which can cause lung infections and hospitalization. Babies are at the highest risk in the first six months of life. In Ontario, the RSV vaccine is free for those delivering during RSV season (October to April). Alternative options exist to prevent RSV, such as Beyfortus, which is an immunization given to your baby once they are born. Thus it is best to speak to your health provider about this decision. 

Tdap (Adacel) Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): The Tdap vaccine is recommended and free in every pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 32 weeks. It protects newborns from whooping cough (pertussis), which can cause severe breathing problems in young babies. If not received earlier, it can still be given up until delivery. Family members and caregivers should also receive a Tdap booster if they haven’t had one in the past 10 years, to help create a protective “cocoon” around the baby. 

If you missed any recommended vaccines before or during pregnancy, you should get them after your baby is born. This includes the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, which cannot be given during pregnancy. Getting vaccinated lowers your risk of illness and prevents spreading infections to your baby, especially in the first few months when they are too young to be vaccinated. 

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 vaccines, including MMR, varicella, and Tdap.