One of the best ways to protect yourself and your unborn baby is to get your vaccines up-to-date before pregnancy.
Last updated: April 1, 2026
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your unborn baby is to make sure your immunizations are up to date before pregnancy. For most vaccines, it is even safe to get them while pregnant.
Encourage those around you to get their shots done too, as this will offer greater protection for you and your baby.
Check your records and talk to your doctor, pharmacist or local public health unit about the following vaccines:
* If you are of childbearing age or a female of childbearing age, make sure you are protected (immune) against measles, rubella and chickenpox before getting pregnant. If you are not immune you should get the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and chicken pox vaccines, and then wait one month before trying to get pregnant.
These vaccines can cause birth defects, fetal death or premature birth. It is important to have these vaccinations before becoming pregnant and wait at least four weeks before trying to conceive.
If you’re already pregnant and not immune to rubella, measles, mumps or chickenpox, it is recommended that you avoid these vaccines until after childbirth.
To get immunized, make an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist or local public health unit. Learn where to get immunized and how to book an appointment.
Resources
- HealthLink BC: Immunizations and pregnancy
Information about immunizations for pregnant persons. - Pregnancy and babies
Fraser Health's web resource on pregnancy and babies. - I Boost Immunity
Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz. - Diseases and immunizations
Get immunized against common diseases.