Vaccines for You and Your Baby

What vaccines are needed for pregnancy?

Pregnant people should get vaccinated for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis/Whooping Cough, and flu vaccine every pregnancy. It is important to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as well. Other vaccines may be recommended based on your individual needs.
Staying up to date on vaccines is important between pregnancies too. For example, MMR and chickenpox vaccines should be complete, but are given either before or after pregnancy

Why are vaccines important for pregnancy?

Vaccines offer protection for you and your baby during pregnancy.
When you get vaccinated, protection (“antibodies”) crosses the placenta to your baby. This can give your baby some protection against disease before they can get vaccinated themselves.

Why does my baby need vaccines?

Vaccines help protect your baby from serious diseases like whooping cough, pneumonia, the flu, and much more. These diseases can be especially dangerous for babies.
Vaccines offer protection early in life so babies can build immunity before they may be exposed to a disease. Protect your baby from 14 diseases by age 2 by vaccinating on time.
Vaccines help protect against SIDS.
Getting vaccinated is a safe, effective way to protect your baby, family and community.

What are vaccine side effects that my baby might have?

The most common side effects are redness or swelling where the injection was given, fussiness, and/or a low-grade fever. These may last a few days.
Severe side effects are extremely rare. If you have concerns, contact your healthcare provider.

Should I skip or space out vaccines?

No. Vaccinate on time, every time for all recommended vaccines. If vaccines are skipped or spaced out, this creates a risk of catching the disease during the time of delay.

What vaccines are important for people around my baby?

Everyone around your baby should be up to date on all vaccines, including Tdap (whooping cough), flu and COVID-19. This includes partners, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, and more!
When others get vaccinated, it can create a “circle of protection” around your baby.
Take the time to have this conversation with others.
Adults can request their Michigan vaccine record here (www.mcir.org/public)

Learn more: MDHHS Immunizations (www.Michigan.gov/Immunize) and