|Articles|October 1, 2000

Immunization in pregnancy

Here's an update on when and how to use tetanus, HBV, influenza, and other vaccines during pregnancy.

 

PROTOCOLS OB/GYN INFECTION

Immunization in pregnancy

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Choose article section...Active immunization Passive immunization Future developments Flu season 2000-2001: Vaccine may be scarce

By Marvin S. Amstey, MD

Here's an update on when and how to use tetanus, HBV, influenza, and other vaccines during pregnancy.

Although vaccination of pregnant women is an uncommon preventive measure, the need for active and passive immunization in pregnancy is becoming greater with more rapid dissemination of infectious agents due to improved transportation and expanding travel. The following discussion covers broadly relevant issues and specific vaccines that are more frequently used (Tables 1 and 2).

 

TABLE 1
Vaccines available for active immunization

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Killed bacteria or product
Rabies
Haemophilus influenzae
Rubeola (measles)
Meningococcus
Varicella-zoster

Pertussis
Killed virus
Plague
Hepatitus A
Pneumococcus
Hepatitus B
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia)
Influenza
Typhoid
Polio

Typhus
Toxoid
 
Anthrax

 

TABLE 2
Passive immunization materials

Condition
Immunoglobulin or serum
Botulism
Antitoxin (horse serum)
Diphtheria
Antitoxin (horse serum)
Hepatitis A and measles
Pooled human IgG
Hepatitis B infection
Human hepatitis B hyperimmune IgG
Rabies
Human antirabies hyperimmune IgG
Snakebite (coral and crotalid snakes)
Antivenin (horse serum)
Tetanus
Human antitetanus hyperimmune IgG
Varicella-zoster
Human anti–varicella-zoster hyperimmune IgG
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