Why should I get immunized? 

Immunization is one of the best ways to protect you, your family and your community. Pregnancy is a great time to ask your health-care provider if you are up to date with all your immunizations (also called vaccines). By staying up to date with your immunizations you are protecting yourself and passing on the protection to your unborn baby. This also protects your newborn baby for the first few months of life. Your baby will start receiving immunizations at two months of age.  

Immunizations: 

• are safe and effective 
• protect against diseases caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses 
• are also known as a shot, needle, booster, vaccine, or vaccination 

When is the best time to update my vaccines? 

Vaccines best given before or during pregnancy: 

• COVID-19
  • Evidence shows that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe to get during pregnancy and will not harm your unborn baby. COVID- 19 vaccines:
    • are recommended at any stage in pregnancy. 
    • are very effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death. 
    • can help prevent pregnancy complications for parent and baby. 
    • decrease the risk that you will develop COVID-19 and expose your baby. 
• Influenza (Flu) 
  • Immunization against influenza (flu) during pregnancy is recommended for all pregnant people, especially during flu season (November to April). 
  • Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant people than in people who are not pregnant. 
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)  
  • Pregnant people should be immunized with the Tdap vaccine in EVERY pregnancy 
  • You should get the vaccine between 27 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, although it can be given at any time during pregnancy. 
  • This protects your newborn baby for the first few months of life. 

Vaccines best given before you get pregnant or after you deliver: 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)  
• All vaccines are safe while breastfeeding/chestfeeding 

Where can I get immunized? 

• your regular health-care provider; if you do not have one, you can use the Family Doctor Finder
• at a walk-in/same day clinic
• nursing station or health centre  

What if I’m traveling out of the country? 

If you are planning a trip, talk to your immunization provider or visit your local travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to your expected departure to see what vaccines may be recommended. Vaccines for travel purposes are not publicly funded by Manitoba Health. For more information about travel vaccines, advice and advisories, visit: 

• Travel vaccinations – Government of Canada 
• Travelling while pregnant – Government of Canada 
• Travel and Tourism – Government of Canada 

See what’s next:

Baby’s First Year of Immunizations  

For more information: 

• Routine Immunization Schedule – Government of Manitoba 
• Vaccination and Pregnancy – Government of Canada 
• The 5-in-1 Vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) 
• COVID-19 vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide – Government of Canada