Vaccines in pregnancy: which are recommended and which are avoided?

Newborns are not yet fully protected against some infections in the first months. Certain vaccines given in pregnancy help antibodies pass through the placenta to the baby. That makes vaccines an important part of antenatal care; but your doctor decides which one is given and when.

Flu vaccine

Flu can be more severe in pregnancy than outside it. The seasonal flu vaccine (the inactivated, injected type) can usually be given at any stage of pregnancy during flu season. The antibodies can pass to your baby and may offer protection in the first months. The nasal spray live vaccine is not given in pregnancy.

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) vaccine

Whooping cough can be serious in small babies. The Tdap vaccine helps antibodies pass to the baby and protect in the first weeks after birth. Under the Turkish Ministry of Health practice, one dose is given in every pregnancy since April 2025, planned around weeks 18–24 of pregnancy. Your doctor or family health centre sets the timing.

RSV vaccine

RSV is an important cause of lower respiratory infections in babies. In some countries a vaccine is recommended in pregnancy during a specific period and in specific months. Availability in Turkey may change over time, so ask your doctor and check with health authorities for current information.

Vaccines not given in pregnancy

Vaccines containing live weakened viruses are usually not given in pregnancy. Examples:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• The nasal spray flu vaccine

A plan is made for these after birth. If you had a vaccine before you knew you were pregnant, try not to worry; just let your doctor know. For other vaccines (such as hepatitis B or COVID-19), the decision depends on personal risk and current advice.

Common questions

• Side effects: Most people have a sore arm, mild tiredness or a low fever that passes in a few days.
• Partner and close contacts: Having the people around your baby up to date with their vaccines adds another layer of protection.
• Records: Keeping your vaccination card in your hospital bag is handy.

What you can do

• At your first visit, show your doctor your vaccine history and card if you have one.
• Ask which vaccines are suggested in which months, and write it down.
• Note the dates and think of them together with your baby's schedule after birth.
• Share your concerns before deciding; an informed choice is always respected.
• After birth, keep your baby's vaccination card or child health record safe and bring it to every check-up.

When to contact your doctor

• If, after a vaccine, you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash
• If a high temperature (38 °C or higher) lasts more than a few days
• If you had a live vaccine before you knew you were pregnant
• If you have been in contact with someone with measles or chickenpox
• If your baby's movements clearly decrease

If you suspect a severe allergic reaction call 112 (or your local emergency number). This article is for information; your doctor's advice for your own situation comes first.