Vaccines for You and Your Baby's Caregiver
Babies are more likely to get sick from germs in their first 6 months of life. It is very important for new parents and baby caregivers to stay up to date on vaccines to keep your baby protected. Talk to your provider about vaccinations that are safe to get during pregnancy.
Other People Who May Need Vaccines
Make sure anyone who lives with or cares for your baby is vaccinated against the flu, whooping cough and COVID-19. All loved ones should get a flu shot each year. Anyone who has not previously received a Tdap shot should try to get one at least 2 weeks before interacting with your baby.
Flu Vaccine
Your baby cannot get the flu vaccine until they are 6 months old. The only way to protect your baby from serious problems is for you and those around your baby to get the flu vaccine. Your baby’s immune system is not fully developed yet. Your baby is more prone to severe illness from the flu. This can lead to:
- Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
- Dehydration (when too much water is lost from the body)
- Death
.
Tdap Vaccine and Whooping Cough Vaccine
You may have heard of pertussis or whooping cough. This disease is very contagious and can cause pneumonia and serious breathing problems. Whooping cough can be deadly for infants.
The Tdap vaccine protects against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. Your baby cannot start vaccines for these diseases until they are 2 months old. It is up to you to protect your baby by getting your vaccine.
RSV Vaccine
RSV is a respiratory virus. It is the most common reason babies are admitted to the hospital. It can cause symptoms as mild as a common cold or as severe as major breathing problems. The RSV vaccine is now available for pregnant women to get between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Getting COVID-19 during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of being in the intensive care unit (ICU), needing a machine to help breathe and dying. It also increases the chance of having a preterm birth and your baby needing to go to the NICU. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to help keep you and your baby from getting very sick from the virus.