Which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy for passive immunity in newborns?

The recommendation for administering the influenza and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy is based on the proven benefits of providing passive immunity to newborns.

The influenza vaccine is essential as it helps protect both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women experience changes in their immune system, making them more susceptible to severe illness from influenza. By receiving the vaccine during pregnancy, the mother creates antibodies that can be passed to the baby, providing the newborn with some level of protection against influenza in their early months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), is also crucial during pregnancy. Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants, leading to severe respiratory complications. Administering the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy allows the mother to pass on antibodies against whooping cough to her baby, offering protection during the time when the infant is most vulnerable.

In contrast, the other options include vaccines such as MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and Varicella (Chickenpox), which are not recommended during pregnancy due to their live virus components that could pose risks to the fetus. The Zoster