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Is it safe to have travel vaccinations while pregnant?If you'd like a holiday before your baby's born, try to find a destination where no jabs are needed. If that's not possible, you'll need to check with your doctor or travel clinic before you go.
The risk of disease varies depending on where you're going. In addition, certain vaccines may be unsafe for pregnant women.
There's not enough evidence yet to say whether vaccinations are safe for your unborn baby. Live vaccines such as yellow fever could be particularly dangerous (NHS 2013). That's because there's a chance you or your baby may develop the disease.
Because there are so many factors to consider, your doctor should carry out a risk assessment before deciding whether you should be vaccinated. Try to visit your GP at least eight weeks before you go, as some vaccinations need to be given well in advance.
You can find out if there are concerns about disease at your chosen destination by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Is it safe to take antimalarial medicine when I'm pregnant?If at all possible, try not to travel to countries where there's a risk of malaria when you're pregnant (NHS 2014, RCOG 2010). It would be safer to cancel your trip or postpone it until after your baby is born.
If you really have to travel to an area where there's a risk of malaria, it's important to take the right antimalarial medicine (NHS 2014). Malaria can be dangerous and even fatal for you and your baby. See your doctor a few weeks before you go and she'll prescribe a medicine that's safe for pregnancy.
When you're away you'll also need to use an insect repellent and sleep under a mosquito net to prevent yourself getting bitten.
In general, you should always consult your GP before going to a high-risk area.
Check out our top travel tips for more information on going abroad during pregnancy.
Last reviewed: September 2014
This article was written using the following sources:
Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, et al. 2009. Immunization in pregnancy: No. 220. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 105(2):187-91.
NHS. 2013. Can I have travel vaccinations during pregnancy? NHS Choices, Medical advice. www.nhs.uk [Accessed October 2014]
NHS. 2014. Malaria – Antimalarials. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed October 2014]<
RCOG. 2010. The prevention of malaria during pregnancy. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.