OB-GYN Group Releases Separate Vaccine Schedule for Pregnant Women

A prominent OB-GYN group announced its own vaccine schedule for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women on Wednesday. The recommendations cover four vaccines routinely advised during pregnancy and three others recommended before or after birth.

The group said the schedule aligns with earlier federal guidance that was later changed. It stated the move addresses what it called growing vaccine misinformation.

What the group recommends The flu vaccine is advised in any trimester, with preference for early fall. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended in any trimester as soon as possible during pregnancy. A Tdap shot is advised between 27 and 36 weeks, preferably early in that window.

An RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks during a first pregnancy and only from September through January in most regions. Women who received the RSV vaccine in a prior pregnancy do not need another dose, though their newborns may receive an antibody shot instead.

Pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines may be considered based on individual risk factors. Three additional vaccines against HPV, measles-mumps-rubella and chickenpox are advised before pregnancy or after delivery.

Differences from current federal advice The largest difference concerns the COVID-19 vaccine. Federal guidance no longer recommends the shot for healthy pregnant women. The OB-GYN group’s schedule has been endorsed by 13 other medical societies. Several other organizations have also issued vaccine schedules this year that differ from current federal recommendations.

Health care providers at the announcement event described increased vaccine hesitancy among patients. They attributed part of the confusion to social media and non-scientific sources.