Vaccination during pregnancy: Midwives as vaccinators
Vaccination in every pregnancy is important—it protects the mother, and the baby for up to six months of age, from communicable diseases that could seriously affect both of them. Pregnant people should be vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis), flu (influenza) and Covid-19.
Vaccines can be conveniently given during regular prenatal appointments. Vaccination is recorded in the prenatal record and reported to the Public Health Department to be entered into national and provincial records for statistical and research purposes.
Recommended Covid-19 vaccination schedule during pregnancy
With the pregnant person's consent, the Covid-19 vaccine should be given six months apart, one in the first trimester, and the second in the last trimester of pregnancy:
- If the mother was never vaccinated against Covid-19, the first primary vaccine is recommended in the 8th week of pregnancy, and the second primary vaccine in the 32nd week
- If the mother received one primary vaccine against Covid-19, but it is uncertain if it was followed up with a booster, the second primary vaccine is recommended in the 10th week of pregnancy, and the first booster in the 34th week
- If the mother is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the first booster is recommended at the end of the 11th week of pregnancy, and the second at the end of the 35th week
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