Vaccinations recommended before, during and/or after pregnancy

INFLUENZA (FLU)

How does vaccination help my baby?
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy passes protective antibodies from you to your baby through the placenta. This helps protect your baby in the first few months when they are most vulnerable. Vaccination in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe whooping cough in babies under three months of age by over 90%.

Should my family also be vaccinated?
Yes. Adults in close contact with the baby (e.g. father, grandparents, caregivers) should get a booster vaccine if they have not had a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine in the past 10 years, ideally at least two weeks before coming into close contact with the baby. It is also important to ensure that siblings have up-to-date vaccinations.

Are all babies given the whooping cough vaccine?
Yes. In Singapore, as part of the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, babies routinely receive three doses of the Tdap vaccine at two, four and six months of age. Booster vaccines are given at 18 months of age and again at 10 to 11 years old to reinforce immunity. The vaccine is not given earlier as young babies may not respond as well to it.

Why do I need to get vaccinated for every pregnancy?
Protection from the Tdap vaccine decreases over time, so it is important to have a dose during each pregnancy. This helps your body make enough antibodies to pass on to your baby through the placenta, giving them the best protection in their early months, even if you have had the vaccine before.

What does the whooping cough vaccine involve and when should I get vaccinated during my pregnancy?
The whooping cough vaccine you will receive consists of a single injection in your arm. The best time to get vaccinated is between 16 and 32 weeks of your pregnancy. Beyond 32 weeks, you can still get the vaccine, but it may not be as effective. However, some protection is still better than none.

Is the whooping cough vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The vaccine contains only inactivated (killed) parts of the bacteria, which means it is safe to receive during pregnancy. Like all vaccines, you may experience some mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or tenderness where the injection was given.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads by coughing or sneezing, and occurs all year round in Singapore. RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in babies under one year old. It can make it difficult for babies to breathe and feed, often leading to hospitalisation – especially in those under 6 months of age, who account for about 75–80% of RSV-related hospital stays. In severe cases, babies may need intensive care, and the infection can sometimes be lifethreatening. The risk of serious illness is higher in very young babies, those born prematurely, or those with heart, lung, or immune system conditions.

How effective is the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®)?
The vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These antibodies then pass to your baby through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born. RSV vaccination reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis and hospitalisation by about 70% in the first 6 months of life.

When and how is the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) given?
You will receive one injection in your arm between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 36 weeks, you can still have the vaccine, but it may not be as effective at providing protection for your baby since you are much closer to delivery.

Is the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Side effects are usually mild, which include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. The vaccine does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications or birth defects in the baby.

RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES)

What is Rubella?
Catching rubella during pregnancy can be very serious for your baby, as it can lead to a condition called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS can lead to deafness, blindness, cataracts (eye problems) or even heart problems. It can also result in the death of the baby or the possibility of a miscarriage.

I have already been vaccinated as a child. Why do I need a rubella immunity test?
The protective effects of vaccines decrease over time and sometimes, people do not develop a large enough immune response to be considered immune to rubella, even if they have received the vaccine before. Screening for rubella immunity helps identify if you might need a booster vaccine before getting pregnant.

Why can’t I get the vaccine during pregnancy?
The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is a live (weakened) vaccine so it is not given during pregnancy. If you are not immune, you are recommended to get the vaccine after delivery for future protection. Although there is no evidence that MMR vaccine during pregnancy causes harm to babies, it is recommended that you should avoid getting pregnant for one month after rubella vaccination.

Since l am already pregnant and cannot get the vaccine now, why am I still being screened for immunity to rubella?
Testing lets you know your current immunity level and helps you plan for future pregnancies. You will also be advised on precautions to take during this pregnancy, if you are not immune to rubella.

OTHER INFORMATION

Can I breastfeed my baby following these vaccinations?
Yes. Breastfeeding is safe after MMR, flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines.

I am planning to travel. Do I require any other vaccinations?
If you are planning to travel during your pregnancy, do inform your doctor. He/she will be able to discuss with you if any additional precautions or vaccinations are required depending on your destination.

The information above is also available for download in pdf format.