Vaccines Before Pregnancy: What to Review

A source-backed checklist for reviewing vaccines, immunity, and timing questions before trying to conceive. Use it as appointment preparation, not as a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Educational boundary: this guide is for general education. It cannot diagnose, treat, or replace care from an obstetrician, midwife, primary care clinician, pharmacist, genetic counselor, mental-health professional, or other qualified clinician.

Start with your record

Bring dates for childhood vaccines, adult boosters, flu, COVID-19, HPV, varicella, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis, and any travel vaccines.

Ask about timing

Some vaccine questions depend on pregnancy status, exposure risk, season, job, travel, and prior immunity. Ask a clinician to sequence them before trying.

Write down action items

Leave the visit with a list of vaccines to get now, vaccines to delay, and vaccines to revisit once pregnant.

Questions to bring

• What is the most important next step for my personal history?
• Which changes should happen before trying to conceive, and which can wait?
• What symptoms, test results, or exposures should make me call sooner?
• Should another clinician, pharmacist, specialist, or counselor be involved?

Related guides

• /article/preconception-visit-checklist
• /article/infections-and-sti-screening-before-pregnancy
• /article/travel-zika-and-preconception-planning

Educational boundary

This page supports a clinician conversation. If you have urgent symptoms, possible pregnancy, medication uncertainty, exposure concerns, or safety concerns, contact a qualified clinician or urgent-care service.