vaccinations
Vaccinations for Women
In today's era where we all understand that prevention of a disease is much better than cure, we need to be aware of the vaccines available for various diseases and when to take them. There are certain vaccines that should be taken when a woman is not pregnant, and certain vaccines that are safely taken or recommended in pregnancy.
Vaccination needs can differ before pregnancy, during pregnancy and in special medical conditions.
Understanding vaccination at every stage of a woman's life.
Vaccines Recommended During Pregnancy
Tetanus Shot
The Government of India recommends 2 doses of TT during pregnancy to prevent neonatal tetanus for pregnant women after the first trimester.
- Two doses during pregnancy.
- The gap between the 2 doses should be at least 4 weeks.
Tdap Vaccine
- Given to pregnant women in the third trimester to give immunity to both mother and child against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
- It may replace the second dose of tetanus as recommended in the NIP programme.
- If Tdap is not administered during pregnancy, it should be administered immediately postpartum.
- Vaccination of family members may also be done to protect the newborn — known as cocooning.
Influenza Vaccination
- Routine influenza vaccination is recommended for all above 6 months of age during influenza season (October – March).
- It is given to pregnant women after the first trimester.
Vaccination Before Getting Pregnant
Ideally, women should be vaccinated against all preventable diseases before entering a pregnancy. The main vaccines to consider, if not vaccinated in childhood, are MMR and chickenpox/varicella vaccine.
MMR & Rubella Vaccination
- MMR contains the Rubella vaccination.
- All girls should receive the vaccine before planning pregnancy.
- Pregnancy should be avoided for one month (28 days) after receiving the MMR vaccine and, ideally, immunity may be confirmed by a blood test.
Varicella Vaccine
- Chickenpox in pregnancy could lead to many complications.
- If a woman has not had chickenpox or its vaccine in childhood, she should consider taking it before getting pregnant.
- Since it is a live vaccine, pregnancy should not be planned for a month after vaccination.
Vaccination in Special Medical Conditions
In women with sickle cell disease or splenectomy, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended every 5 years. H. influenzae and meningococcal vaccination may also be recommended as a single dose.
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination provides protection against human papillomavirus infections associated with cervical cancer and genital warts.
HPV Vaccination Information
- The target age for vaccination is 11–12 years for girls and boys.
- Those vaccinated before age 15 years receive 2 doses of HPV vaccine approximately 6 months apart.
- Bivalent, quadrivalent and 9-valent vaccines have been used for females, while quadrivalent and 9-valent vaccines are also used for males.
- The 9-valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine has been recommended by ACIP and was licensed by the FDA in December 2014.
- It provides protection against additional high-risk HPV types including HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
- Antibody response against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 is maintained.
Quick HPV Vaccination Guide
HPV vaccination is ideally given at around 11–12 years of age.
Two doses of HPV vaccine are given approximately 6 months apart.
Protection against HPV infections linked with cervical cancer and genital warts.
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