Immunization during pregnancy is the administration of a vaccine to a pregnant individual.[1] This may be done either to protect the individual from disease or to induce an antibody response, such that the antibodies cross the placenta and provide passive immunity to the infant after birth. In many countries, including the US,[2] Canada,[3] UK,[4] Australia[5][6] and New Zealand,[7] vaccination against influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough is routinely offered during pregnancy.
Other vaccines may be offered during pregnancy where travel-related or occupational exposure to disease-causing organisms warrant this. However, certain vaccines are contra-indicated in pregnancy. These include vaccines that include live attenuated organisms, such as the MMR and BCG vaccines, since there is a potential risk that these could infect the fetus.