Vaccinations when pregnant

If you’re traveling to certain countries, you may need to have vaccinations to safeguard against diseases found in those areas.

However, if you’re pregnant, not all vaccines are safe for your baby. The most dangerous are live vaccines – for example, yellow fever, typhoid, rubella and MMR. You’ll likely be advised not to travel to areas that require these vaccinations but if your trip is unavoidable check with your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife as to whether it’s better to get vaccinated than not to – your baby may be at more risk from the disease itself than from the vaccination. Obviously, this is a very personal decision and you’ll have to weigh up the risks and benefits involved with both options.

Different countries have their own guidelines as to what travelers should be vaccinated against, so check what’s required. In addition to this, keep in mind that pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria, an extremely serious illness spread by insect bites. Avoiding travel to malarial areas seems to be the most sensible course of action but if that isn’t possible, seek advice from your caregiver. Ensure that you use a strong insect repellent suitable for use during pregnancy and cover up to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.