Vaccinations During Pregnancy Protect the Mother-Infant Dyad and Are Generally Safe.

AIM: Vaccination in pregnancy has a critical impact on mothers, foetuses and infants. The aim of this paper was to summarise key points presented by experts attending the 12th Maria Delivoria-Papadopoulos Perinatal Symposium in March 2025 and further expand and update them.

METHODS

We discuss the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and monkeypox. The future use of cytomegalovirus and group B streptococcus vaccines is also covered. Vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to fears of harming the foetus, including preterm delivery, is addressed. The use of evidence-based information to allay fears is explored. Ethical issues about the potential side effects of vaccinating mothers, primarily for the good of the infant, are discussed.

RESULTS

The vaccines we looked at were generally effective and safe, with no considerable adverse effects for the mother-infant dyad. Vaccination hesitancy was predominately based on fears about the adverse effects on the foetus. These can mainly be combated by health professionals providing clear information on the impact on both the mother and her offspring.

CONCLUSION

The vaccines discussed in the paper were generally effective and safe for the mother, foetus and infant.