Vaccinations in pregnancy

Vaccinations in pregnancy are known to be cost-effective means of preventing disease. They may be recommended primarily for maternal benefit or for the prevention of intrauterine infection of the fetus. Increasingly they are a recognized technique of providing protection to the newborn through passive immunity and by reducing disease exposure.Theoretical concerns regarding adverse effects to the fetus and lack of efficacy have, in general, not been confirmed by clinical evidence. Nevertheless live attenuated vaccines remain contraindicated due to the risk of fetal infection. As with any clinical decision, advice on antenatal vaccination should be based on the balance of risks and benefits to mother and fetus. This article aims to guide such decisions by discussing some of the issues surrounding commonly used vaccines and presenting current UK guidelines.