Back to Answers

Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?

In general, vaccines that contain killed viruses, also called inactivated viruses, can be given during pregnancy. Vaccines that contain live viruses aren’t recommended during pregnancy.

Vaccines that are safe and recommended during pregnancy include:

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot, the RSV vaccine and the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from infection. These vaccines also help protect your newborn after birth before your baby can be vaccinated. This is important because babies under age 1 may have a higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 than do older children. Also, the flu, RSV and whooping cough can be very dangerous for infants.

Your healthcare professional might recommend other vaccines during pregnancy if you’re at higher risk of certain infections. For instance, some pregnant people need the hepatitis B vaccine.

Your healthcare professional likely will recommend that you not get vaccines that contain live viruses during pregnancy. Those types of vaccines might pose a risk to a developing baby. Examples of vaccines that contain live viruses and aren’t recommended during pregnancy include:

Although the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, doesn’t contain the live virus, it’s recommended that pregnant people delay vaccination.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, talk to your healthcare professional. Ask what vaccines you might need before you try to get pregnant.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock