ABSTRACT

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATION AND PREGNANCY Preconception Evaluation of a woman’s immune status should occur in the preconception period. Optimally, immunization with indicated vaccines should occur prior to pregnancy. For the reproductive age female, immunity to rubella, varicella, influenza, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and HPV are particularly beneficial for the health of the woman and her offspring (Tables 38.1 through 38.4). If live, attenuated vaccines are administered, the patient should avoid pregnancy for four weeks because of the theoretical concern for transplacental infection of the fetus [32].