Getting the right vaccines before and during pregnancy protects both mother and baby in the first months of life, thanks to antibodies passed through the placenta. This article follows Parts IV and VI of the book Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026).

Before pregnancy

Many vaccines cannot be used during pregnancy, so the time when you are preparing for pregnancy is the right time to catch up.

Live vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, live influenza, bOPV…): complete at least 3 months before you might become pregnant.
Chickenpox vaccine: complete the schedule at least 1–3 months before pregnancy, depending on the product.
Dengue vaccine: complete at least 1 month before pregnancy.
Vaccines to review: MMR, Td/Tdap, hepatitis B, chickenpox, influenza, HPV, pneumococcal, dengue.

Rubella in the first three months of pregnancy can cause miscarriage or birth defects. Chickenpox in the first three months can cause miscarriage or congenital varicella syndrome.

Source: Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026), Part IV, section 2.3, pp. 180–182; section 2.2.1, p. 178.

During pregnancy: recommended

Tetanus or Td/Tdap: builds immunity in the mother and passes antibodies to the baby. The number of tetanus doses depends on the mother's vaccination history; see the article on the Expanded Programme on Immunization schedule. Tdap vaccines such as Boostrix and Adacel are given in the second or third trimester.
Influenza: one dose at any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women in the second and third trimesters are at risk of hospital admission from influenza. The mother's antibodies also protect the baby in the first months after birth.
RSV: one dose of the vaccine for pregnant women (Abrysvo) at around weeks 24–36, to protect the newborn against severe RSV disease.
Hepatitis B: complete the series if not fully vaccinated. This vaccine is not contraindicated in pregnancy.

Source: Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026), Part IV, section 2.4.1, pp. 182–183; Part III, pp. 56, 58, 168.

Can be considered when there is a risk

Hepatitis A, pneumococcal polysaccharide, meningococcal (conjugate or polysaccharide).
Injected polio vaccine (IPV): when there is a risk of exposure.
Yellow fever: required if travel to an outbreak area is unavoidable.

The meningococcal book states that the meningococcal conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines available in Vietnam are safe for pregnant women and can be given when the risk of infection is high. VA-Mengoc-BC, however, is not given to pregnant women unless clearly necessary.

Source: Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026), Part VI, section 6.4, p. 206; Prevention of meningococcal disease in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine), Lesson 8, p. 250.

During pregnancy: must not be given

Live attenuated vaccines: measles, MR, MMR, live influenza, oral polio (OPV), rotavirus, BCG, chickenpox, dengue.
Vaccines that the manufacturer lists as contraindicated in pregnancy: Japanese encephalitis, HPV, shingles…

If HPV vaccine was given before the pregnancy was known, the HPV Q&A book advises against terminating the pregnancy. Continue routine antenatal care and give the remaining doses after the birth.

Source: Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026), Part IV, section 2.4.2, p. 183; Questions and answers on HPV vaccines (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine in collaboration with MSD Vietnam), Part 4, question 1.

While breastfeeding

Live or inactivated vaccines given to the mother do not affect the safety of breastfeeding.
Exception: Qdenga is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers.
Yellow fever vaccine: in principle not given while breastfeeding, unless travel to an outbreak area is unavoidable.
Breastfed babies are vaccinated completely and on time like all other babies.

Source: Recommended vaccination schedules for all ages in Vietnam (Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, 3rd edition, 2026), Part VI, section 6.3, p. 205.