Pregnancy - immunisations
immunise; pregnancy; pregnant; immunisation; rubella; measles; mumps; chicken pox; whooping cough; influenza; pneumococcal; infection; birth; defects; vaccine; vaccinate; flu; hepatitis B; immunization; MMR;
Contents
Immunisation provides protection from some infections that can cause serious illnesses for pregnant women, their unborn babies and young children. Some of these infections can cause birth defects.
Effects of infections that can be prevented by immunisation
- Rubella infections during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects affecting the baby's eyes, ears, brain and heart.
- Chicken pox infections during pregnancy can cause serious illnesses in women, their unborn babies, or newborn babies. They can also cause birth defects.
- Whooping cough may cause serious illness and even death in babies less than 6 months of age, and many infants in Australia get whooping cough from their parents.
- There is an increased risk of a pregnant woman needing to be admitted to hospital if she has Influenza (the 'flu').
- Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illnesses in 'at risk' groups, including smokers.
What is recommended?
Immunisations recommended before, during or after pregnancy include:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
If you were born after 1966 you may need a booster measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. The second dose is needed for full protection.
Delay pregnancy for 1 month after having an MMR immunisation.
- Chicken Pox
If you have never had chicken pox, a simple blood test can be performed to see if you have protection against chicken pox infection. If you have no protection, there is a chicken pox vaccine available for adults. Two doses are needed for full protection for people aged 14 and over.
Delay pregnancy for 1 month after chicken pox immunisation.
- Whooping Cough
Both parents can be protected from whooping cough, so that they don’t pass it on to their new baby.
Whooping cough vaccine can be given before pregnancy or as soon as possible after the baby is born.
- Influenza
You can be immunised against influenza before, during pregnancy or after to protect you and your baby against influenza. It is recommended that pregnant women have the flu vaccine.
- Pneumococcal Infections
If you are a smoker, or have a chronic disease (eg. heart, kidneys, lung) or diabetes, pneumococcal vaccine is recommended.
This vaccination is best given before you become pregnant.
Immunisations for your baby
After your baby is born immunisation is a very effective way of protecting your baby from several very serious illnesses.
- Hepatitis B - your baby's first immunisation is against Hepatitis B, and it is given soon after birth by hospital staff.
- Your baby's next immunisations are due at 2 months of age. The topic Immunisation has information about them, and the payments that are linked to immunising your child.
Where you can get more information
South Australia
Speak to your doctor or midwife
Contact the SA Immunisation Coordination Unit:
ph: 82267177
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/immunisation-index.htm
Child and Youth Health Parent Helpline 1300 364 100
Australia
Immunise Australia
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/
References
Australian Immunisation Handbook, 9th Edition, 2008
South Australian Immunisation Coordination Unit
http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/immunisation-index.htm
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.