Pregnancy is a special time, and protecting your health also protects your baby. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases that can affect pregnant people and newborns.
When you get vaccinated during pregnancy, your body makes antibodies that pass to your baby. This helps protect your baby during the first months of life, when they are too young to receive some vaccines.
Below is a simple guide to the main vaccines recommended before, during, and after pregnancy, based on Canadian public health guidance.
💚 Vaccines Before Pregnancy
Before becoming pregnant, it’s important to check your vaccination record. Some vaccines should be given before pregnancy because they are live vaccines and are not recommended during pregnancy.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Who should get it: People who are not immune
- Why it matters: These infections can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects
- Safety: Live vaccine – should be given before pregnancy
- Cost in BC:Free
Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Who should get it: People who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine
- Why it matters: Chickenpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the baby
- Safety: Live vaccine – should be given before pregnancy
- Cost in BC:Free
Important:
People living in the same household should also be up to date with their vaccines to help protect you and your baby
💚Vaccines During Pregnancy
These vaccines are safe during pregnancy and help protect both the pregnant person and the baby.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough – Tdap)
- Who should get it: All pregnant people, during every pregnancy
- Best time: 27–32 weeks of pregnancy
- Why it matters: Whooping cough can be very dangerous for newborns
- How it helps your baby: Antibodies pass to your baby until their first vaccines
- Cost in BC:Free
Influenza (Flu)
- Who should get it: All pregnant people, during flu season
- Best time: Any stage of pregnancy
- Why it matters: Pregnant people are more likely to get very sick from the flu
- How it helps your baby: Reduces the risk of preterm birth and serious illness
- Cost in BC:Free
COVID-19
- Who should get it: All pregnant people
- Best time: Any stage of pregnancy
- Why it matters: COVID-19 can cause severe illness during pregnancy
- How it helps your baby: Lowers the risk of preterm birth and newborn hospital care
- Cost in BC:Free
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV – ABRYSVO™)
- Who should get it: Pregnant people aged 18 and older
- Best time: 32–36 weeks of pregnancy
- Why it matters: RSV can cause serious lung infections in babies
- How it helps your baby: Protects babies during the first 6 months of life
- Cost in BC:Paid
💚 Vaccines After Pregnancy
Some vaccines should be given after delivery, especially if the person was not immune before pregnancy.
Rubella (MMR Vaccine)
- Who should get it: People who are not immune to rubella
- When: After delivery (before leaving the hospital, if possible)
- Why it matters: Prevents serious birth defects in future pregnancies
- Safety: Not given during pregnancy because it is a live vaccine
- Cost in BC:Free
Where to Get Vaccinated in BC
- Free vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID-19, MMR, varicella):
- Pharmacies
- Public health units
- Community health centres
- Primary care clinics
- Paid vaccines (such as RSV):
- Available at some pharmacies or travel clinics
A healthy pregnancy starts with prevention. Vaccines recommended before, during, and after pregnancy protect not only pregnant people, but also babies and the whole community. If you have questions or concerns, a health care provider or public health clinic can help guide you and support you throughout your pregnancy journey.
Resources:
CanadaImmunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide
HealthlinkbcImmunization and pregnancy | HealthLink BC
ImmunizePregnant and Lactating Persons | immunizecanada
