Why Should Pregnant Women Get Vaccinated: Why Was “The Past Different from Today”?

1. Vaccination During Pregnancy: Why Was “The Past Different from Today”?

Pregnancy is a sacred journey, and protecting the health of both mother and baby is always the top priority. Many expectant mothers often hear advice from older generations such as, “Back in our day, no one got vaccinated, and we were still healthy.” So, what is the difference between “the past” and “today” when it comes to vaccination during pregnancy? Let’s explore why vaccination has become an important recommendation in modern pregnancy care, helping mothers have a safer pregnancy and babies be born healthy.

2. The Living Environment Has Changed Significantly

In the past, the air was cleaner, homes were less densely populated, and travel and interaction between communities were more limited. As a result, bacteria and viruses were perceived as being “milder” and less likely to spread.

Today, we live in densely populated urban areas, commute to work in the morning, go shopping in the afternoon, and come into contact with hundreds of people. Bacteria and viruses are also constantly evolving and changing in unpredictable ways, such as influenza viruses, which change from year to year. Modern life brings convenience, but it also comes with greater risks of infectious disease transmission. Therefore, expectant mothers need a stronger “shield” than previous generations did.

3. Don’t Misunderstand the Power of Natural Immunity

Many people believe that if they have had a disease before or are generally healthy, they do not need vaccination. However, natural immunity acquired through infection may not be sufficiently strong or long-lasting, particularly during pregnancy, when the mother’s immune system undergoes changes. Furthermore, viral and bacterial strains can evolve over time, meaning that previous immunity may no longer provide complete protection.

4. Today, Our Children Need an “Upgrade” in Protection

In the past, there was no 4D ultrasound or prenatal screening, yet previous generations still gave birth and raised children. Today, we use these advances to maximize safety. Vaccination is no different!

Getting vaccinated does not mean criticizing previous generations’ approaches to raising children. Rather, it means taking advantage of advances in medicine to provide even greater protection for our children. It is a necessary “upgrade” for modern pregnancy care.

4.1. But Women in the Past Didn’t Get Vaccinated, and Their Children Still Grew Up. Is Vaccination Really Necessary?

It is true that “children in the past still grew up.” However, we did not see the babies who unfortunately did not survive because of neonatal tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, and other diseases.

Vaccination today is not simply about making sure that “the baby grows up,” but about helping the baby “grow up as safely and healthily as possible.”

The goal of modern medicine is to minimize risks as much as possible. We cannot “gamble” with our children’s health when we have vaccines as a means of protection.

5. The “Gift of Antibodies” Passed Through the Placenta

This is one of the most remarkable benefits that previous generations did not have the opportunity to fully understand. When a mother receives a vaccine:

Her body produces antibodies.
These antibodies act like “brave little soldiers,” crossing the placenta to help protect the baby.

Why is this important? After birth, during the first 2–3 months of life, babies are not yet old enough to receive certain vaccines, such as pertussis-containing vaccines. During this period, maternal antibodies provide an important layer of protection against infectious diseases. Without maternal vaccination when it is recommended, the baby may have less protection during these vulnerable early months.

6. A Simple Economic Perspective

Grandmothers may worry that vaccination during pregnancy is an unnecessary expense, but vaccination can actually be a smart way to reduce healthcare costs.

The cost of several vaccine doses is only a small fraction of the potential costs of hospitalization and medications if the mother or baby becomes ill, not to mention the immeasurable emotional stress and anxiety.
One vaccination, a healthier mother, a healthier baby, and a happier family welcoming a new member—that is one of the most valuable investments of all.

7. Consult Your Doctor to Make an Informed Decision

Every pregnant woman has a different health status and medical history. Therefore, consulting a physician or healthcare professional is essential to receive personalized advice and ensure that vaccination is as safe and appropriate as possible for both mother and baby. Do not hesitate to ask questions and share your concerns with your doctor.

7.1. Are All Vaccines Recommended for Pregnant Women?

No. Only certain vaccines are specifically recommended for pregnant women. It is important to consult your doctor to determine which vaccines are necessary and safe for you during pregnancy.

8. Editorial Review Information & References

8.1. Medical Consultation

MSc. MD Nguyen Hien Minh – Deputy Head of the Vaccination Unit, Department of Medical Examination, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City.

8.2. References

Arora M, Lakshmi R. Vaccines—Safety in Pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;76:13–27. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.11.007.
Etti M, Calvert A, Galiza E, et al. Maternal Vaccination: A Review of Current Evidence and Recommendations. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;227(2):164–175. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.012.
Quincer EM. Prenatal Maternal Immunization for Infant Protection. Pathogens. 2024;13(2):125. doi:10.3390/pathogens13020125.
Santilli V, De Silvestri A, Martini M, et al. Maternal Immunization: Current Evidence, Progress, and Challenges. Vaccines. 2025;13(5):450. doi:10.3390/vaccines13050450.
Nguyễn HM, Trần NT, Phạm QH, Cao HN. Safety Evaluation of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) During Pregnancy Among Vietnamese Women. Vaccines. 2025;13(10):1036. doi:10.3390/vaccines13101036.

The information provided above is for reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation. Please contact your physician for detailed consultation.