Vaccines for Women
Should I get vaccines if I am pregnant?
Your local health department can provide you with vaccines that are recommended with each pregnancy. Some vaccines, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; nasal spray flu vaccine; measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); and varicella vaccine (chickenpox) should not be given to pregnant women. Right after pregnancy is a good time to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, varicella vaccine, or the hepatitis vaccines if you need them.
Immunization Schedule for Women: Who Needs What and When?
Let's break down which vaccines are recommended for women and how they are recommended. This information is designed to be helpful for everyone.
Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended if you're at risk or planning to travel outside the United States. It's a two-shot series.
Hepatitis B: If you're under 18 or at risk for Hepatitis B, this three-shot series is important. For women, it's recommended if you fall into a risk category.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): All women up to age 26 are encouraged to get this three-shot series, unless you are currently pregnant.
Flu Shot (Inactivated Influenza Vaccine): If you want to protect yourself from the flu, or if you're at higher risk for complications, getting this shot annually is a good idea. It's important to know that "inactivated" means the vaccine uses killed or inactive viruses, so it can't actually give you the flu. This is a key technical detail for understanding vaccine safety.
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine): This option is for healthy individuals aged 2-49 who are not pregnant and have no underlying medical conditions. It's a yearly nasal spray. "Live attenuated" means it contains weakened viruses, which is generally safe for most healthy people, but not for those with compromised immune systems.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): If you were born after 1957 or a blood test shows you don't have immunity, this vaccine is recommended. It's particularly important for women planning a pregnancy. It's usually a one-time dose, though boosters might be needed.
Meningococcal: This vaccine is typically recommended for college freshmen living in dorms, or for individuals at higher risk due to travel or certain chronic health conditions. It's usually a one-time dose.
Pneumococcal: This vaccine is generally recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, or for those with specific medical conditions. It's usually a one-time dose.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Td or Tdap): For women aged 19 and older who haven't received it, the Tdap vaccine is recommended. You'll need Td boosters every 10 years. A crucial recommendation is to get the Tdap vaccine with each and every pregnancy to protect your baby. This is considered a vital part of prenatal care under current guidelines.
Varicella (Chickenpox): If you've never had chickenpox or a blood test shows you're not immune, this two-shot series is recommended for those not pregnant.
Zoster (Shingles): This vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 60 and older, and it's a one-time dose
