Vaccines during and after pregnancy

Talk to you doctor about any gaps in your vaccine history that should be filled.

Make sure these vaccines are up to date:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

27 to 36 weeks (preferably on the early side of this range) 

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap): Whooping cough (or pertussis) can be serious for anyone – but for your newborn, it can be life-threatening.

32 to 36 weeks (if that occurs between September and January)

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Any time during pregnancy

• Flu (If it’s flu season, get vaccinated by October)
• COVID-19

After pregnancy

It’s safe to get the vaccines your doctor recommends, even if you’re breastfeeding.  

After your baby is born, you may need to get vaccines to protect against: 

• COVID-19: If you didn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine or updated vaccine when you were pregnant, you’ll need to get vaccinated right after delivery. 
• Whooping cough: If you didn’t get the whooping cough vaccine when you were pregnant, you’ll need to get vaccinated right after delivery. Other people who spend time with the baby may also need to get the whooping cough vaccine. 
• Measles, mumps, and rubella, and chickenpox: If you’re not already protected from measles, mumps, rubella, or chickenpox, you’ll need to get vaccinated before you leave the hospital.