[Vaccination during pregnancy].

BACKGROUND

Due to characteristics of the immune system, pregnant women, fetuses and infants show an increased infection-related morbidity and mortality, which can be reduced by vaccinations during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This article elucidates the mechanisms, the evidence of expected effects, contraindications and possible adverse effects of vaccinations in pregnancy.

METHOD

A selective literature search was carried out with particular attention to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccinations of the Robert Koch Institute (STIKO) and the pertinent guidelines.

RESULTS

Vaccinations during pregnancy protect expectant mothers from a severe course of a number of different infectious diseases and therefore the associated pregnancy complications. Moreover, neonates are given passive immune protection against life-threatening infections by the vertical transmission of maternal antibodies. The efficacy and safety of vaccination in pregnancy is well-established for inactivated vaccines against tetanus, influenza and pertussis; vaccinations with live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated due to a theoretical risk for the fetus. Currently available data on the deployment of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) are still limited.

CONCLUSION

The goals of vaccination during pregnancy are to directly protect pregnant women by active immunization and/or the child by natural passive immunization. Pregnant women should not be excluded from an indicated vaccination for their own protection and that of the child. Additional reasonable measures to protect the health of mother and child include the vaccination of other persons in close contact as well as the closure of relevant vaccination gaps among young adults, particularly for women of childbearing age.