Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Which Vaccines Are Safe During Pregnancy, and Which to Avoid
Some vaccines can help keep a pregnant woman and her baby safe from serious infections.
Doctors may recommend Td or Tdap, injectable flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy.
The exact timing depends on the woman’s health, past vaccinations and stage of pregnancy.
The injectable flu vaccine can be given during any trimester.
Live vaccines, such as MMR and chickenpox vaccine, are usually avoided while pregnant.
The live nasal-spray flu vaccine should also be avoided.
If someone receives a live vaccine before discovering she is pregnant, she should not panic or assume the pregnancy must be ended.
She should tell her obstetrician and continue appropriate care.
Soreness, tiredness and a mild fever can happen, but serious symptoms need medical attention.
Td/Tdap, injectable influenza and recommended COVID-19 vaccines may be used during pregnancy, depending on individual circumstances and current guidance.
Influenza vaccination can be given in any trimester, while the live nasal-spray version should be avoided.
Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are generally avoided during pregnancy as a precaution.
Accidental vaccination with a live vaccine is not, by itself, an indication for pregnancy termination; women should inform their obstetrician.
Most side effects are mild and temporary, but severe allergic reactions, breathing problems or persistent high fever require medical advice.
- Who
- Pregnant women, their obstetricians and the medical experts consulted by the article.
- What
- Guidance on vaccines that may be recommended during pregnancy, vaccines generally avoided, safety evidence and possible side effects.
- When
- During pregnancy; timing depends on gestational age, vaccination history, medical conditions and current guidance.
- Where
- The guidance is presented in the context of antenatal care in India.
- Why
- Vaccination can reduce the risk of infections that may become more serious during pregnancy and can pass protective antibodies to the baby.
- Recommended vaccines
- Td/Tdap, injectable influenza and recommended COVID-19 vaccines may be appropriate during pregnancy.
- Influenza timing
- The injectable influenza vaccine can be given during any trimester.
- Vaccines generally avoided
- Live vaccines, including MMR, varicella and live nasal-spray influenza vaccine, are generally avoided during pregnancy.
- Accidental vaccination
- Receiving a live vaccine before discovering a pregnancy is not, by itself, an indication for termination.
- Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or swelling, tiredness, headache, body aches and mild fever may occur.
- Urgent symptoms
- Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, severe allergic reaction or persistent high fever require medical advice.
- Individual assessment
- Doctors should review vaccination history, allergies, medical conditions, medications and pregnancy status.