Which vaccine can be safely administered during pregnancy?

Influenza vaccination is recommended during pregnancy because it helps protect both the mother and the unborn child from the potentially severe consequences of influenza. Pregnant individuals are at increased risk for complications from the flu, including hospitalization and respiratory problems, due to changes in their immune systems, hearts, and lungs during pregnancy. The influenza vaccine is considered safe during any trimester and provides maternal antibodies to the baby, which can help protect the newborn in their first few months of life.

In contrast, the other vaccines listed—mumps, varicella, and rubella—are live attenuated vaccines. They are not recommended during pregnancy because there is a theoretical risk of the live virus causing infections in the developing fetus, which could lead to serious congenital conditions or complications. Therefore, the safety profile of the influenza vaccine makes it the appropriate choice for vaccination during pregnancy.