Which vaccine is specifically recommended for pregnant women?

The vaccine specifically recommended for pregnant women is the TDaP vaccine. The TDaP vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). During pregnancy, vaccination with TDaP is important because it helps protect the newborn from whooping cough, which can be particularly severe in infants. Administering the vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy allows the mother to pass antibodies to the baby, providing the newborn with some level of immunity until they can begin their own vaccinations.

Influenza is also recommended for pregnant women, particularly during flu season, but TDaP has the specific function of protecting the newborn from a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications early in life. Vaccines like HPV and MMR are generally not recommended during pregnancy. The HPV vaccine is intended to prevent human papillomavirus infections, while the MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the live attenuated vaccine components. Thus, the recommendation for pregnant women to receive the TDaP vaccine stands out as crucial in protecting both the mother and the child from specific health threats.