Which vaccine is routinely given during pregnancy to protect the newborn against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis?

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Multiple Choice

Which vaccine is routinely given during pregnancy to protect the newborn against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis?

The main idea is that giving a vaccine during pregnancy can protect a newborn by passing antibodies from mother to baby. The vaccine used for this purpose is the Tdap vaccine, which is given during each pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This timing helps maximize the amount of antibodies the mother transfers across the placenta, providing newborn protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and especially pertussis during the early months of life. The vaccine is inactivated and considered safe to administer during pregnancy. Other vaccines listed—measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; varicella—are either live vaccines or not designed to confer immediate neonatal protection, so they are generally avoided during pregnancy and given after birth if needed.

The main idea is that giving a vaccine during pregnancy can protect a newborn by passing antibodies from mother to baby. The vaccine used for this purpose is the Tdap vaccine, which is given during each pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This timing helps maximize the amount of antibodies the mother transfers across the placenta, providing newborn protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and especially pertussis during the early months of life. The vaccine is inactivated and considered safe to administer during pregnancy.

Other vaccines listed—measles, mumps, and rubella; hepatitis B; varicella—are either live vaccines or not designed to confer immediate neonatal protection, so they are generally avoided during pregnancy and given after birth if needed.

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