For Health Care Providers Serving Pregnant Women

Immunization information and resources for prenatal care providers and birth educators.

On this page:
General information on vaccinating pregnant women
Influenza vaccination
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination
Hepatitis B: Prenatal testing and infant immunization
Childhood immunization resources for prenatal care patients

General information on vaccinating pregnant women

• Pregnancy and Vaccination Pocket Guide
  A pocket guide for health care providers that summarizes ACIP immunization recommendations for pregnant women.

• Pregnancy and Vaccination: Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women
  Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for pregnant women. See the "Letter to Providers" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supported by several health care professional organizations who endorse these recommendations.

• Vaccine Safety Monitoring
  CDC offers information on how vaccine safety is monitored post-licensure.

• Immunization for Women: ACOG Resources
  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) offers immunization toolkits, vaccine webinars, clinical practice guidelines, email updates, and patient education resources for prenatal care providers.

• Immunization Resources for Providers
  American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) offers resources for midwives, including downloadable patient education materials with colorful visuals and succinct information on the benefits of immunization during pregnancy.

• Text4baby Training Center
  Text4baby is a free mobile health information service for pregnant women and new parents with infants under the age of 1 year. Education on a variety of health topics including immunization are delivered through text messaging and an app based on the due date or baby's birthday. Appointment reminders and an immunization tracker can be used to support a woman in getting the vaccines she needs for herself during pregnancy and for her new baby.

Influenza vaccination

• Pregnant? Get a Flu Shot
  Patient education that answers common questions about influenza vaccine and the risks of influenza infection for a pregnant woman and her baby.

• Flu and Pregnancy
  CDC offers information about the risks of influenza during pregnancy and the importance of getting influenza vaccine to help prevent infection.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination

• Tdap Vaccine for Pregnant Women
  Patient education that answers common questions about Tdap vaccine and how vaccination during pregnancy protects the infant from pertussis after birth.

• Pregnancy and Whooping Cough
  CDC offers prenatal care provider and patient resources related to pertussis disease and the Tdap vaccine, including research and resources to give to patients.

Hepatitis B: Prenatal testing and infant immunization

• Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Pocket Guide - Prenatal
  Pocket guide to assist prenatal health care providers with recommended strategies to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.

• Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Pocket Guide - Pediatric
  Pocket guide to assist pediatric health care providers with recommended strategies to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.

Childhood immunization resources for prenatal care patients

Prenatal care providers can help increase infant immunization! During the prenatal time period, expectant parents are searching for resources that will inform their future health decisions for their new baby and family. Prenatal care providers and birth educators have a trusted relationship with their pregnant patients. Offer pregnant women evidence based resources during prenatal care to build their confidence and support for infant immunization.

• Reliable Sources of Immunization Information
  Websites, videos, publications, mobile apps, and additional educational resources that provide reliable information on immunizations for parents.

• National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)
  NIIW is an annual observance with resources that prenatal care providers and birth educators can use with their patients year-round, including key messages, a digital media toolkit and additional educational resources.

• Order Printed Immunization Materials
  MDH provides patient education and provider resources free of charge. Give expectant parents the "Keep them Safe! Vaccinate" brochure that explains the vaccines their child will need and provides reliable resources where they can get more information about childhood immunization. This resource can be ordered on the "For the Public" order form.

• Vaccine- and Vaccine Safety- Related Q&A Sheets
  Information addresses commonly asked vaccine questions and concerns that your patients may have.