Which vaccination is routinely recommended during pregnancy to protect the newborn from pertussis?

• A. MMR vaccine
• B. Hepatitis B vaccine
• C. Varicella vaccine
• D. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis)

Answer: (D)

Protecting the newborn from pertussis relies on maternal antibodies passed through the placenta. Pertussis can be dangerous for infants who are too young to be vaccinated, since the routine DTaP series starts at 2 months. Administering the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine during pregnancy, usually in the later part of gestation, prompts the mother to develop antibodies that cross the placenta and confer protection to the baby after birth. This early passive immunity helps reduce the risk of severe pertussis in the newborn while they await their own vaccinations.

Live vaccines like MMR and varicella are not given during pregnancy because of safety concerns for the fetus. Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and may be given if indicated, but it does not protect the newborn against pertussis.