Can a pregnant woman get vaccinated?

Question

If a pregnant woman wasn't immune to...say...measles, or hep B, or wanted a flu shot, or if the tetanus immunity ran out and she was cut by something rusty, would they vaccinate her?

I'm 13 weeks and was just told I'm not immune to German Measles but they wouldn't vaccinate me. I'm just curious as to why (the doc never has enough time to answer all my questions lol.)

On a side note, my friend's son is 3 and she's not vaccinating him at all; should I stay away from him? (He is exposed to a lot of kids on a daily basis)

Answer 1

I believe any or most vaccination that contains a from of the life virus are not recommended during pregnancy. Here are some things i found just goggling around. It says that German measles vaccination shouldn't be giving to pregnant woman. The hep b seem to safe while pregnant. The last link has some info on what you should to lessen your risk.

Quote from first link - "As with all live virus vaccines, women known to be pregnant should not receive the MMR vaccine, and pregnancy should be avoided for four weeks following vaccination with MMR. However, women who are breast-feeding can be vaccinated. Children and other household contacts of pregnant women should be vaccinated according to the recommended schedule."

Answer 2

Depending on the vaccine and how far along you are, you can be vaccinated.  If your doctor didn't press than you should be fine.  However keep an eye out for the symptoms in people around you and be careful.  If you suspect that you are at risk definitely talk to your doctor about getting the vaccine.

Answer 3

you run the risk of actually getting the disease that is why they will not inoculate you and as far as kids even the ones vaccinated are at risk of becoming sick with whatever the vaccine is in optimal cases to prevent but in a large majority minimize the severity of the illness - so in short stay away from kids that you know are lacking shots and or know to be sick.

Answer 4

They usually say that if you get a shot that introduces a live virus, then no it isn't good to get that vaccination.  If it is a nonliving virus, then yes you can be vaccinated.

As far as staying away from that child, I think it would be a good idea because he could spread germs that he doesn't know that he has because it doesn't affect him like it would you.  I think that pregnant women are a little more prone to get things from people who aren't affected by certain viruses/germs.  If you do have to be around him, I would germ-x a lot.  Good luck.  It seems as though you are really trying to take care of yourself...keep it that way.

Answer 5

There are certain vaccinations you can't get while pregnant, while others are fine.

In my first pregnancy, I also discovered that I wasn't immune to rubella (German measles). The virus can have devastating effects on a developing fetus, but it isn't that common in the US anymore, so I was told to stay away from young children with communicable diseases, and to avoid anyone I knew was unvaccinated, and to get the shot as soon as I delivered.

The flu, however, is fine to get vaccinated against while pregnant. (At least outside of the first trimester.)

As for tetanus, I think they'd weigh the risk of nonvaccinating (potential maternal and fetal death) vs. potential risk to fetus, and make a decision.

Answer 6

if you are vaccinated for the measles or other things like that you can infect the baby and the baby can become blind or deaf and have many other problems. If you can stay away from this child it would be best for now. And when you have had your baby at the best chance get vaccinated so this problem does not arise again.

Answer 7

First, I would definitely stay away from the kid that isn't vaccinated.  Since you are an adult, you may not have been vaccinated for certain diseases that are commonly vaccinated for now, and that child could possibly be carrying something that could make you very sick.  I'm sure others would say differently, but I wouldn't risk it.  Secondly, I know with tetanus, they will give you a shot if you were cut by something dirty or rusty, but otherwise they wouldn't bother.  When I was preggo with my daughter, I passed out on the floor (at a nursing home) and sliced my forehead open, but the doctor did not give a tetanus shot since the nursing home was very clean and there was little risk.  You can get a flu shot when pregnant, although I choose not to since most flu shots still contain thimerisol, a type of mercury.  As far as why your doc didn't give you the GM vaccine, you would have to ask him.  If he doesn't have enough time to even answer your questions, I would find a new doc!!!  

Answer 8

When you get a vaccination you receive a small dose of the virus.  It is possible to get sick from a vaccine.  It isn't safe for your baby if you get the vaccine for German Measles and then end up getting sick.  If a pregnant woman gets very sick, it can cause a miscarriage.  However, if the pregnant mother's life was in jeopardy there are exceptions that have to be made.  For instance, if a pregnant woman gets bitten by a rabid animal she will get the shots since if she didn't, she would die.  As for the tetanus shot, a decision would have to be made if the health of the mother is in danger enough to warrant risking the baby's health.

Answer 9

i don't know why but they do not vaccinate pregnant women except for the flu shot i think. I'm sure if you stepped on a rusty nail and needed a tetanus shot they would make an exception. I believe because whatever they give you goes to you baby also and why therefore your getting less of the amount of drug required and you baby is getting excess drugs he or she doesn't need.

and no you do not need to stay away from your friends child unless he is suspected to have caught something.

I was also told i wasn't immune to measles when I was pregnant and I recieved the shot when my daughter went for her first shots.

Answer 10

You could get tetanus, but should only bother if you get cut.  Hepatitis B is contracted through blood, so not needed for a normal person using safe s*x.  Flu shots are recommended.  I think you're supposed to wait for measles mumps and rubella.  

As far as kids, stay away only if they are sick and wash your hands.  

Answer 11

Some vaccines have adverse reactions (up to miscarriages) associated with them. Others they don't know if there are side effects. Measles may be one they don't know about. I do know they will make you get a flu shot if your pregnant during the flu season. As far as your friends son I don't think I would avoid him at all costs but I would keep my distance.