Get started safely: vaccination during pregnancy

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Get started safely: vaccination during pregnancy
– Pregnancy tips, how to remain healthy, health and wellbeing, latest symptoms and treatments.

As a (future) mother, you want nothing more than to protect your child. And that can already happen in the womb. We spoke with doctor Isabelle Dehaene, gynaecologist at UZ Gent, about why vaccination during pregnancy is a smart choice.

“Vaccinations play an important role in protecting both mother and baby,” Dr. Dehaene begins. “They reduce the risk of serious complications during pregnancy. In addition, the antibodies that the mother produces after vaccination are passed on to the baby via the placenta,” Dr. Dehaene explains. “This gives the baby a protective shield against diseases while still in the womb.”

Multiple vaccines recommended

One of the most important vaccinations is against whooping cough. “Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease that can be life-threatening for babies,” Dr. Dehaene emphasizes. “That is why we recommend the DTP vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. This vaccine is best administered between the 24th and 32nd week of pregnancy.”

Flu is another illness with potentially serious consequences. “The last thing you want as a pregnant woman is to end up in intensive care because of it. Flu can lead to premature birth or low birth weight and can cause a miscarriage or affect the development of the baby due to the high fever,” says Dr. Dehaene. “That is why we advise pregnant women to get a flu shot in the fall or winter.”

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New: protection against RSV

In addition, there is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of serious respiratory infections in young children. “In babies, this can even mean hospitalization,” says Dr. Dehaene. “By getting vaccinated as a pregnant woman (between weeks 28 and 36) if you give birth during the RSV season, from October to March, you produce antibodies that counteract serious RSV infections. This vaccine is expensive: it costs 185 euros and is not reimbursed for the time being.”

Fortunately, there is another, cheaper way to protect your baby against RSV. “This is done via antibodies that are administered directly to your baby shortly after birth. This vaccination will cost you a lot less with a personal contribution of only 12.10 euros,” explains Dr. Dehaene. “We also have more experience with this method, since we have been using it for premature babies for years.”

Vaccines: effective and safe

A frequently asked question is whether vaccines are safe during pregnancy. Dr. Dehaene reassures: “The vaccines we recommend have been used for a long time and are safe. Since pregnant women have been given the whooping cough and flu vaccine, doctors have clearly seen far fewer deaths and serious illnesses. Vaccines are strictly monitored by health authorities to ensure that they are safe for both mother and baby.”

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Another point of concern is the substances in vaccines, such as aluminium. “Aluminum is added to vaccines to make them more effective. However, the amount is very low and negligible compared to what we ingest daily through food and drink. So it is not dangerous for the baby in the womb,” explains Dr Dehaene, and she concludes: “I understand that some people have questions about vaccinations – as a mother you want the best for your child. But it is absolutely a sensible choice. The diseases against which vaccinations are given pose a much greater risk than the vaccinations themselves.”

Want to have children?

Before you become pregnant, check whether your basic vaccinations are up to date. You can do this at www.mijnAfrilatest.

More information about vaccinations? Go to www.allesovervaccineren.be or listen to the podcast 'Doorprikt – Doubts and questions about vaccinations answered'.

source: Campaign of the Flemish Government

Last updated: August 2024