# Vaccines in pregnancy

> Which vaccines can be given before or during pregnancy, which are not recommended, and what happens if a live vaccine is given by mistake.

Published: 8 February 2022 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay

**Which vaccines can be given before or during pregnancy, which are not recommended, and what happens if a live vaccine is given by mistake.**

Vaccines containing a toxoid, such as tetanus, are suitable both before and during pregnancy. Vaccines containing killed bacteria or viruses — influenza, pneumococcus, hepatitis B, meningococcus and rabies among them — are not associated with adverse effects on the baby and can be given during pregnancy or [in the period before it](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/gebelik-takibi/). Studies have also found vaccination against COVID-19 to be safe both before and during pregnancy.

**Live virus vaccines**, by contrast, are not recommended during pregnancy. Vaccines against varicella zoster, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox and yellow fever are examples. Ideally, a month or more should pass between such a vaccination and pregnancy.

If an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or varicella vaccine is given by mistake during pregnancy, this is generally **not** considered a reason to end the pregnancy, since most reports indicate that the risk to the baby is only theoretical.

Written and reviewed by

**Op. Dr. Murat Alpay**

Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa)

[Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/)

[← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/)

---

Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/gebelik-ve-asilar/  
Last updated: 2022-02-08

Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology  
Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya  
0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday

*This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*