What vaccines during pregnancy?

What is a vaccine used for during pregnancy?

To defend itself against infections, our body needs antibodies. When injected into the body, vaccines produce these substances and help strengthen our immune system to fight against certain viral or bacterial diseases. This reaction is called an “antigen-antibody reaction”. In order for the secretion of antibodies to be sufficiently stimulated, several successive injections called boosters are used. Thanks to them, the transmission of many contagious diseases has decreased considerably, and for smallpox, has allowed its eradication.

Their importance is paramount in pregnant women. Indeed, some mild infections in a mother-to-be can be very serious for the fetus. This is the case, for example, with rubella which causes serious malformations and for which there is no treatment. Women planning to become pregnant are therefore advised to be up to date with their vaccinations.

What are vaccines made of?

There are three different kinds of vaccines. Some are derived from living attenuated viruses (or bacteria), that is to say weakened in laboratory. Their introduction into the body will trigger the immune process without the risk of causing disease. Others come from killed viruses, therefore inactive, but which nevertheless retained the power to make us manufacture antibodies. The latter, called toxoid, contain the modified disease toxin and will also force the body to secrete antibodies. This is the case, for example, with the tetanus toxoid vaccine.

What vaccines are recommended before pregnancy?

Three vaccines are mandatory, and you certainly received them and their reminders in childhood. This is the one against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP). Others are strongly recommended such as those against measles, rubella and mumps, but also hepatitis B or whooping cough. Now, they exist in combined form allowing a single injection. If you have missed some reminders, it is time to complete them and seek advice from your doctor for remedial action. If you have misplaced your vaccination record and do not know whether you have had or been vaccinated against a particular disease, a blood test Measuring the antibodies will determine whether a vaccination is necessary or not. During pregnancy, especially in winter, consider getting vaccinated against the flu.

Are some vaccines contraindicated during pregnancy?

Vaccines made from live attenuated viruses (measles, mumps, rubella, drinkable polio, chickenpox, etc.) are contraindicated in expectant mothers. There is indeed a theoretical risk of the virus passing through the placenta to the fetus. Others are dangerous, not because of an infectious threat, but because they cause strong reactions or cause a fever in the mother and may cause miscarriage or premature delivery. This is the case with the pertussis and diphtheria vaccine. Sometimes there is a lack of vaccine safety data. As a precaution, we prefer to avoid them during pregnancy.

Which vaccines are safe for a pregnant woman?

Vaccines produced from killed viruses do not pose a risk during pregnancy. In addition, they also provide protection for the baby during the first six months of life. A future mother can therefore get vaccinated against tetanus, hepatitis B, influenza, the injectable form of the polio vaccine. The decision will be made based on the risk of contracting the infection and its consequences. It will not necessarily be systematic during pregnancy, if the possibility of contamination is unlikely.

Is there a time limit to respect between a vaccination and the pregnancy project?

Most vaccines do not require waiting before the onset of pregnancy (tetanus, anti-polio, diphtheria, anti-flu, anti-hepatic B vaccine, etc.). However, you should know that immunity is not acquired until about two weeks after vaccination. Others, on the contrary, justify taking effective contraception after vaccine injections. There would indeed be a theoretical risk for the embryo during this period of time. At least two months for rubella, mumps, chickenpox and measles. However, all vaccines can be done after childbirth, and even while breastfeeding.