Vaccination in pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Over the past few decades, eradication and reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases through immunization has increased life expectancy by reducing mortality. Pregnant women are at risk for vaccine-preventable disease-related morbidity and mortality and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital anomalies, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and low birth weight. In addition to providing direct maternal benefit, vaccination during pregnancy likely provides direct fetal and neonatal benefit through passive immunity. Despite the impact of immunization, vaccination in pregnancy is still inadequate. This article reviews types of vaccine and vaccines recommended during pregnancy.