Hurricanes and pregnancy

Effects on Pregnant Women

IMMUNIZATIONS (also called vaccinations or “shots”)

Making sure that people have the right immunizations can be an important part of the response to a hurricane or other storm. Some storms might force people to leave their homes or cause conditions that might make it more likely they get sick. Listen to the radio or emergency workers to find out if immunizations are recommended. Before getting any immunizations, a pregnant woman should be sure to tell the nurse or doctor that she is pregnant.

For pregnant women wondering if a certain vaccine is okay to be used during pregnancy, CDC has put together some information on immunizations and pregnancy–which ones are recommended, which ones are okay, and which ones should be avoided. This information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/preg_guide.htm.

Date: July 10, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities