Pregnancy Vaccination: A Simple Shield for Mother and Baby's Health

• Maternal vaccination protects both mother and baby by transferring antibodies, providing passive immunity to the newborn.
• Dr Raghuram Mallaiah emphasizes that pregnancy alters a woman's immune system, making her more vulnerable, and vaccines are crucial.
• Missing vaccinations increases risks like preterm birth, stillbirth, and severe infections like pertussis, which is life-threatening for newborns.
• Recommended vaccines during pregnancy are inactivated, proven safe, and do not harm the mother or baby, debunking common myths.
• Timely vaccination, especially pertussis in the third trimester, significantly reduces neonatal infection; India needs to integrate more vaccines into antenatal care.

Why It Matters: Maternal vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way to ensure a healthier start for both mother and baby.