Pregnant Women

Why is there a need for protection?

Immune systems of infants are weak and need time to develop.¹ Newborn babies are at the greatest risk for developing pertussis and its life-threatening complications. Additionally, babies younger than 6 months of age are too young to get a flu vaccine.² Maternal vaccination is thus important to simultaneously enhance the immunity of pregnant women and protect newborns, since mothers can pass high levels of antibodies to their babies.^3,4

How can i protect myself?

Vaccination

Pre-pregnancy Vaccines:

• Ministry of Health (Singapore) recommends the following vaccines to be taken at least 3 months before pregnancy if prospective mothers are not immunised against these diseases.⁵

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine^{6 Ɨ}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Varicella Vaccine^{6 Ɨ}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Hepatitis B Vaccine^{6 Ɨ}
• 3 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

 

Vaccines that can be taken During Pregnancy:

Influenza (INF) Vaccine^{6 Ɨ}
• 1 dose annually or per season
• CDC recommends pregnant women to get vaccinated during any trimester of pregnancy.⁷

Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine^{6 Ɨ}
• 1 dose during each pregnancy

 

Everyday Protection

Other than vaccinations, pregnant women should also practise good hygiene habits to protect themselves from germs and diseases. These include:^8,9

• Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water
• Covering nose and mouth with tissue during coughing/ sneezing
• Using a serving spoon when sharing food from a common plate
• Wearing masks and changing it every 8 hours/ when it becomes moist

 

^Ɨ Available vaccines are recommended in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).⁶ Singaporean adults receive partial subsidies at polyclinics and/or CHAS GP clinics and MediSave can be used to cover the remaining co-payment.^10,11 Under MediSave 500 & Medisave 700, eligible Singaporean can use up to $500 / $700 for approved vaccinations.¹² Under the Outpatient Flexi-MediSave, patients above 60 can use up to $300 for approved vaccinations.¹²