Which vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women?

The influenza vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy. It is crucial for protecting both the mother and the developing fetus. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for severe complications from influenza, including hospitalization and adverse outcomes for the baby. Vaccination helps to mitigate these risks and has been shown to provide immunity to the newborn during the early months of life through maternal antibodies.

In contrast, the other vaccines mentioned—mumps, varicella, and rubella—are live attenuated vaccines. Their administration during pregnancy carries a risk of potential harm to the fetus, which is why they are contraindicated. For example, rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that women are immune to these infections before becoming pregnant, ideally through vaccination well in advance.