Which vaccine is particularly important for pregnant women to receive?

The Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is particularly important for pregnant women to receive because it plays a critical role in protecting both the mother and the newborn from pertussis (whooping cough), which can have severe outcomes for infants. When administered during the third trimester of pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks, the Tdap vaccine helps boost the mother's immunity and allows her to transfer protective antibodies to the unborn child. This passive immunity provides protection to the infant until they are old enough to begin their own vaccinations.

While the seasonal influenza vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women due to the increased risk of complications from the flu, and vaccines such as the varicella vaccine are important but generally recommended before or after pregnancy rather than during, the Tdap vaccine stands out as being specifically timed to directly benefit the newborn during the vulnerable early months of life. The HPV vaccines are primarily focused on preventing cervical and other HPV-related cancers and are not indicated for women during pregnancy. Thus, the emphasis on the Tdap vaccine is due to its direct role in enhancing the health and safety of both mother and infant.