August is National Immunization Month, and while it’s the opportune time to remind parents of which back-to-school vaccines are required, it’s also a time to focus on those who are pregnant, especially heading into peak influenza season.

Dr. Cody Silker of Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics shares which common vaccines are administered for those who are pregnant, “At pregnancy usually the OB (obstetrician) will give a Tdap which is a tetanus and diphtheria/pertussis to the mom as well as a flu shot if it’s during that time of the year. The reason is because babies don’t get their vaccines until they’re two months (old) so the theory is hopefully they have mom’s antibodies until then to protect them.”

Silker adds that it’s also beneficial for the dad, significant other, and other immediate family members to be up-to-date on vaccines in order to best protect a newborn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that a Tdap vaccine is needed during the 27th through 36th week of each pregnancy, which protects against whooping cough. A flu vaccine is also advised as the flu can lead to a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm labor or birth.