immunization branch

Immunizations for a Healthy Pregnancy

Like most moms-to-be, you want to give your baby a healthy start in life. Shots (also called immunizations) are a safe way to protect yourself and your baby from some harmful diseases. Get up to date on the shots you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Before You Get Pregnant

Whether it is your first baby, or you are planning to have another child, talk with your doctor about which shots you need.

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Flu (Influenza)- as soon as vaccine is available
Chickenpox
Hepatitis
Updated COVID-19 vaccine
Other immunizations recommended by your doctor

If you miss getting these shots before becoming pregnant, you can get them after your baby is born. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can also be given in pregnancy in any trimester. (If you already received these shots, let your doctor know.)

While You're Pregnant

Your baby counts on you for protection. Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious problems for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also be dangerous for newborn babies.

To protect yourself and your baby, ask your doctor or midwife for:

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) vaccine — as soon as possible during your third trimester, even if you got it before pregnancy.
Flu vaccine— as soon as it's available during flu season.
An updated COVID-19 vaccine— if you haven't received it yet.
RSV vaccine — September- January, between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

These vaccines are safe. The protection you get from these vaccines passes to your baby before birth. This will help protect your baby in early life when they are most vulnerable to getting very sick. Talk to your doctor or midwife about these vaccines today!

After Your Baby is Born

Circle your baby with protection. Newborns are at risk of getting severely sick from flu, COVID-19, whooping cough, and RSV. While getting these shots while you are pregnant is most protective, make sure to get any shots you missed. Getting routine shots while you are breastfeeding is safe and helps protect you and your baby.

To further protect your baby:

Ask your baby's doctor about the RSV shot for your baby if you missed getting your RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
Ask family, friends, and caregivers to get their flu shot and make sure they are up to date on other shots, like whooping cough and COVID-19.
Keep your baby away from people that may be sick.
Remind people around your baby to wash their hands often.

Where to Get Immunized

Your doctor may have the shot(s) you need. If not, call your health plan's member services. This number is usually on the back of your insurance card. Ask if shots are covered at pharmacies and which pharmacies are in-network. (Medi-Cal now covers shots at in-network pharmacies.) If you need help finding a place to go, call your doctor's office or local health department.