National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Immunizations are an integral component of preventive health care. Fertility centers are in a unique position to make women aware of the importance of being properly immunized prior to proceeding with fertility therapy. While the majority of vaccines are safe while going through treatment and during pregnancy, several should be given with a least a month or two before proceeding with fertility care. MMR vaccination against Measels, Mumps and Rubella (German Measels) should be given at least one month prior to initiating fertility therapy. A two month interval should transpire between receiving the Varicella (Chicken pox) vaccine and starting fertility treatments. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines are not recommended within three months of pregnancy.

Vaccination against influenza can be given at any time as long as the vaccine is an inactivated virus. Similarly both Hepatitis A and B vaccines are also not contraindicated. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tadp) can also be given while receiving fertility treatments and during pregnancy as can vaccination against Meningococcal disease if indicated.

Visit ACOG’s website Immunizationforwomen.org for further information and resources. Please share this blog with others so they can learn more about immunizations.