Maternal Immunization

Abstract

Due to immunological peculiarities in pregnancy, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to a number of infectious diseases. Vaccinations before conception or during pregnancy can protect pregnant women from infection or severe courses of several vaccine-preventable diseases. Transplacental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies (induced by vaccination of the women before or during pregnancy or natural infection) protects the newborn from a variety of diseases in the first months of life. Maternal antibodies (mainly IgA) can also be secreted into the breast milk and provide additional protection for breastfed newborns and young infants. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe and effective in pregnancy. Live-attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated in pregnancy. Routine vaccinations in pregnancy include vaccinations against influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and are recommended in many countries worldwide. In the current pandemic situation, routine vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for pregnant women as well.