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The vaccines most women should ask about are HPV (protects against cervical cancer), hepatitis B, tetanus, flu, and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) before pregnancy. Which ones you need depends on your age, past vaccines and plans for pregnancy, and guidelines vary by country, so check your own record with your doctor.
This guide explains what each vaccine does, the best time to have it and why some vaccines are given before pregnancy and others during it.
Quick list: vaccines to discuss with your doctor
- HPV: prevents infections that cause most cervical cancers.
- Hepatitis B: protects the liver, and protects babies when mothers are protected and tested.
- Tetanus: protects mother and newborn from a serious infection.
- Flu: yearly vaccine, recommended during pregnancy by the CDC.
- MMR: protects against rubella, which can harm an unborn baby.
- Whooping cough (Tdap) and others: usually given during pregnancy.
Keep your vaccination card safe and share it with every doctor. The CDC advises keeping an accurate record and sharing it with your pre-pregnancy and antenatal doctors.
HPV vaccine
WHO says HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 76% of cervical cancers, and that the vaccine is most useful for girls aged 9 to 14 before they become sexually active. One or two doses are given depending on the national schedule, and people with weak immunity may need two or three. The NHS lists a catch-up option for people up to age 25 and says people aged 25 to 45 who need it usually get 2 doses spaced 6 months to 2 years apart. These details are from the UK; ask your doctor what applies to you in India.
- The NHS says there is no evidence the vaccine is harmful in pregnancy, but you may be advised to wait until after delivery. It can be given while breastfeeding.
- WHO and the NHS both stress that you still need cervical screening after vaccination. Read Pap smear test: what it is and when to get it and cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is a liver infection. WHO explains that in many parts of the world it spreads from mother to baby at birth, and also through needle injuries, shared needles, tattooing, piercing and sex. Infection in infancy leads to long-term infection in about 95% of cases, compared with under 5% for infection in adults.
- WHO says the vaccine is safe and effective, usually as a series of doses, and protection lasts at least 20 years and probably for life.
- WHO recommends targeted hepatitis B testing for all pregnant women so steps to protect the baby can start early.
- The CDC says to talk to your doctor about testing and vaccination in pregnancy.
- Babies should get the first dose as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 24 hours (WHO). See vaccination for newborn babies.
Tip: Take photos of your vaccination cards and store them on your phone. If you do not have records, ask your doctor; they may suggest blood tests to check immunity instead of repeating a vaccine.
Tetanus
Tetanus bacteria live in soil, dust and rusty objects and enter through cuts. WHO explains that maternal tetanus can occur in pregnancy or within 6 weeks afterwards, and that newborn tetanus is linked to unclean cord cutting or cord care. Tetanus vaccines can protect women of reproductive age, often given at antenatal visits. WHO adds that having had tetanus does not give lasting protection, and that clean delivery and cord care also help. Lifelong protection needs 6 doses: three primary and three boosters.
Your doctor will check your earlier doses and decide whether you need a booster, including during each pregnancy. The CDC lists a whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy; guidelines differ by country, so follow your doctor.
Flu vaccine
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine in pregnancy. Check with your doctor about the best time in India, as flu seasons differ by region. The CDC adds that a vaccine given after delivery protects you and passes some antibodies to the baby through breast milk.
MMR and rubella before pregnancy
The NHS says rubella in pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby, including damage to sight and hearing, and measles in pregnancy can lead to premature birth, miscarriage or stillbirth. The MMR vaccine is not suitable during pregnancy, so it must be given before. The CDC advises a blood test to confirm rubella immunity before pregnancy and, out of caution, avoiding pregnancy for one month after MMR plus a confirming blood test. Guidelines vary, so ask your doctor about timing. Our preconception checkup guide shows where this fits.
When to be cautious: Do not take any vaccine on your own if you may be pregnant. Tell the doctor or nurse first, because some vaccines, such as MMR, are given before pregnancy and others during it.
Vaccines in pregnancy and after birth
The CDC lists tetanus-containing vaccine at weeks 27 to 36, flu, COVID-19 and RSV, with hepatitis B tested and given if needed. These are usually decided during antenatal check-ups. Your doctor will give you a timetable that matches the pregnancy.
When to see a doctor
- You are planning pregnancy and do not know your vaccine status
- You have never been vaccinated against HPV or hepatitis B
- You work in health care or live with someone with hepatitis B
- You had a reaction to a vaccine earlier, or you have weak immunity
- You are pregnant and unsure what you need
- After a vaccine you develop a high fever, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face
Most vaccine side effects are mild, such as soreness or a mild fever. Severe allergic signs need emergency care; visit emergency care.
What to expect at the appointment
Bring any vaccination card. The doctor will ask about pregnancy plans, allergies and health conditions, and may arrange blood tests to check immunity. Vaccines are given as injections, and some need more than one visit. Ask when the next dose is due and note it in the card.
Talk to a doctor
A short consultation can sort out your vaccine record and plan any missing doses safely. You can book an appointment or call +91 944 103 0587. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor's advice.
References
This article was written in our own words from the following public health sources.
Educational content
Please note. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about your health, or in an emergency, call +91 944 103 0587 or visit the hospital.
