The CDC recommends that pregnant women are vaccinated with a Tdap (whooping cough) vaccineand a yearly flu vaccine when pregnant. This is important, because when you are pregnant you share everything with your baby, including immunity from certain vaccines. It is equally important that you are up-to-date on other vaccines, including MMR.
- You should have a pregnancy blood test to see if you are immune to measles, mumps, or rubella before getting pregnant. If you are not, you should get an MMR vaccine one month before pregnancy.
- Before getting pregnant, you should ask your parents or other caregivers for your childhood immunization school records to make sure you are up-to-date. You can also contact your childhood doctor's office, hospital, or anywhere else you may have been vaccinated.
- You may need other vaccines during pregnancy if you have certain health conditions or are traveling. You should talk to your doctor about any other vaccines you might need in order to ensure your child's health.
- Cocooning is the practice of having anyone who will come into regular contact with your child vaccinated. This strategy will help protect them from contracting diseases like Whooping Cough and the Flu.
You can learn more about vaccines and pregnancy here and here.