Immunizations for pregnant healthcare workers: Which are recommended?

• A. HPV
• B. Inactivated influenza vaccine and Tdap
• C. MMR
• D. Varicella

Answer: (B)

Protecting both mother and baby while avoiding vaccines that aren’t appropriate in pregnancy is the guiding principle. The best choice combines vaccines that are safe and recommended during pregnancy: the inactivated influenza vaccine and Tdap. The influenza vaccine given inactivated is recommended for all pregnant people during flu season because it reduces the risk of severe illness for mother and fetus, and it is safe in any trimester. Tdap is advised with every pregnancy (ideally between 27 and 36 weeks) to boost maternal antibodies that are passed to the newborn, helping protect the infant from pertussis in the early months of life.

The other options aren’t appropriate during pregnancy: MMR and Varicella are live vaccines and are contraindicated due to potential risk to the fetus. HPV vaccination is not indicated during pregnancy and is typically given to nonpregnant individuals within certain age guidelines.