RSV season is nearly here, and the time to start vaccinating pregnant persons against RSV, flu and COVID is now. Vaccination against these respiratory illnesses is critical to protect both the pregnant person and their baby.
Pregnant persons need:
- Updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine if they have not yet received it.
- Flu vaccine as soon as possible.
- RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) at 32-36 weeks gestation, from September to January.
- Tdap vaccine at 27-36 weeks gestation.
Ensuring up-to-date vaccinations is essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you address common patient concerns:
- Are RSV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely! The real risk is you or your infant getting those diseases. Even if you feel well and are healthy, pregnancy alone puts you at higher risk for respiratory illnesses. Catching these diseases can lead to serious consequences like delivering your baby too early or low-birth weight. Millions of pregnant persons have been vaccinated safely, and all vaccines continue to be rigorously monitored to ensure they are safe for everyone.
- I’ve had COVID-19 already. Do I really need to get vaccinated this year while pregnant?
Yes! Viruses change often, and the COVID-19 vaccine has been updated to help protect against the most common strains of COVID-19 currently spreading. Also, by getting the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, you are passing on protective antibodies to your baby. These will help protect your baby during their first 6 months of life, when they are most vulnerable and not able to get vaccinated themselves.
- I got the RSV vaccine during my previous pregnancy. Should I get it again during this pregnancy?
No. In this case, (CDC/I) recommend that your baby get the RSV immunization. CDC recommends that babies born during the RSV season get immunized in the first 7 days of life before leaving the hospital.
Resources to help support your strong vaccine recommendations:
Of note: A message from our STB Branch colleagues.
Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children
CDPH has released a Dear Colleague Letter which shares valuable information about Hepatitis C testing among perinatally exposed infants and children and reminds providers of the need to screen for HCV in pregnancy and provide related resources.
