Pregnancy Vaccines Protect Newborns After Birth
Vaccinating in the third trimester can provide infants with six months of protection against severe illnesses.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Health awareness platform Live Well now recommends specific vaccinations during pregnancy to provide immune support for mothers and newborns. These vaccines help bridge a crucial protection gap for infants who are too young to receive their own immunizations.
Why it matters
Because many standard infant vaccines cannot be administered until after six months of age, maternal vaccination serves as a vital protective measure. This approach reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations for newborns during their most vulnerable period.
Public health guidance establishes that passive immunity from maternal vaccination provides infants with protection for the first six months after birth. This is essential, as many vaccines cannot be administered to infants until they exceed this six-month threshold.
The players
Live Well
A health awareness platform that provides guidance on vaccinations and disease prevention.
The details
Vaccines are typically administered during the third trimester of pregnancy to ensure optimal transfer of antibodies to the fetus. Once the infant is born, these pre-existing antibodies provide critical shielding against severe complications from RSV, influenza, and pertussis. Because newborns are frequently hospitalized for these conditions, this maternal-fetal transfer serves as a primary defensive strategy.
Timeline
Vaccines are administered to mothers during the third trimester.
Infants receive protection from pregnancy vaccines for the first six months after birth.
Health Landscape
This guidance follows the established pattern of prioritizing maternal immunization to reduce infant mortality as seen in the WHO Global Vaccine Action Plan. It highlights the growing focus on maternal health as a primary intervention point for improving long-term neonatal outcomes.
If you are pregnant, it is worth discussing your vaccination schedule with your physician during your third trimester. You can manage these appointments through the Sehaty app to ensure you receive protective coverage for both yourself and your newborn.
The takeaway
Maternal vaccination effectively bridges the immunity gap for newborns who are too young for their own shots. Be sure to speak with your obstetrician about which immunizations are appropriate for your health profile during the third trimester.
Further reading
For more on managing your health during pregnancy, visit the Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ajel.
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Do you support receiving recommended vaccinations during pregnancy to protect your newborn?
