Vaccines In Pregnancy:

Vaccines in pregnancy are common and here is more information on each.

Tdap:
Pertussis or whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that can cause serious respiratory disease in the newborn. You should be offered a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) some time in your third trimester. Your immune system will produce antibodies that will pass through the placenta providing baby with immunity against infection in the first few months of their life when they are especially vulnerable. The vaccine is safe, effective and covered by MSP. Side effects are extremely unlikely. 

RSV: 
RSV is a virus that can cause severe respiratory disease in infants. RSV circulates heavily in the winter months and causes high numbers of hospitalizations for infants. You are eligible to receive the RSV vaccine between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. This is especially recommended if your due date is in October- April. As above, your immune system will produce antibodies that will pass through the placenta providing baby with immunity against RSV infection. You may have heard that babies should receive immunization with RSV antibody (nirsevimab) in early infancy. While this is an effective and recommended option, unfortunately nirsevimab is not available in British Columbia at this time for healthy, term infants. The RSV vaccine in pregnancy is the next best option. At this time the RSV vaccine is not covered by MSP and must be purchased out of pocket. Many extended medical plans will cover the cost. 

Flu shot:
The flu shot is available from October to April and is updated every year to cover the current circulating strains of influenza. The flu shot is safe and recommended in pregnancy. Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to severe disease from influenza. 

COVID: 
The COVID vaccine is safe in pregnancy and it is recommended to get your updated booster when eligible.