When during pregnancy should I get Tdap?

Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, with the window at 27 to 36 weeks of gestation, preferably in the earlier part of that range. Getting it in each pregnancy passes the most antibodies to each baby. CDC data show third-trimester Tdap prevents about 78% of pertussis cases in babies under 2 months. Your provider confirms the exact date.

When is the RSV vaccine given in pregnancy, and is it required?

The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is given once between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks, seasonally from September through January in most of the U.S. It is not required. It is one of two options: the maternal vaccine before birth, or the infant antibody nirsevimab after birth. Most babies need only one. Discuss which fits your due date with your provider.

Can I get a flu shot at any point in pregnancy?

Yes. The inactivated flu shot can be given in any trimester during flu season while flu is circulating. If you are in your first or second trimester, September or October is preferred. Get the inactivated shot, not the nasal spray, which is contraindicated in pregnancy. The flu shot passes antibodies that protect your baby in their first months.

What is the difference between the maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab?

The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is given to you at 32-36 weeks, and antibodies cross to your baby before birth. Nirsevimab is an antibody shot given to your baby after birth, used if you were not vaccinated during this pregnancy. Both protect against RSV. Most infants need only one. Your provider helps you choose based on timing.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant?

Current CDC guidance treats it as an individual decision you make with your provider. Pregnancy raises your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC reports that studies of vaccination during pregnancy have included more than a million women and did not find increased health risks for pregnant people or babies. Talk with your OB about your own risk and timing.

Which late-pregnancy symptoms mean I should call my provider?

Call right away for a severe headache, vision changes, upper-right belly pain, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, much less urine, or reduced baby movement. These can signal preeclampsia. A seizure is a medical emergency, call 911. When in doubt, contact your provider; do not wait for your next visit.

Fall · Pregnancy

Fall Pregnancy Care: Vaccine Season and Rest

Fall is vaccine season. A few shots now pass protection to your baby for their first months, before they can be vaccinated.

Three vaccines matter most in pregnancy during fall: the flu shot, Tdap, and the RSV vaccine. Each one has its own timing. The flu shot can be given in any trimester. Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy at 27 to 36 weeks. The maternal RSV vaccine is given at 32 to 36 weeks during RSV season. This page lays out the timing in one table, explains the RSV choice between a maternal vaccine and an infant antibody, and covers rest and the warning signs to watch for as your due date nears. Your OB sets the exact dates for you.

7 min read Fall · Pregnancy Updated June 2026

Reviewed against current ACOG and CDC guidance

Why fall is the season for shots

Flu and RSV both circulate from fall into winter. When you are vaccinated during pregnancy, your body makes antibodies and passes them across the placenta to your baby. Your newborn carries that protection through their first months, when they are too young to be vaccinated. Getting the timing right means the protection peaks when your baby needs it. The CDC recommends inactivated flu vaccine in any trimester during flu season, Tdap in every pregnancy, and the maternal RSV vaccine in season for the parents who choose it. Bring this list to your next prenatal visit and let your OB confirm what fits your dates.

Pregnancy vaccines and timing at a glance

Vaccine	When in pregnancy	When in the year	What it does
Flu (inactivated shot)	Any trimester	During flu season; 1st/2nd trimester preferably Sept-Oct	Protects you and passes flu antibodies to your baby for the first months
Tdap (whooping cough)	27-36 weeks, every pregnancy	Any time you reach that window	Passes pertussis antibodies; prevents about 78% of cases in babies under 2 months
RSV vaccine (Abrysvo)	32 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks	Given Sept-Jan in most of the U.S.	Passes RSV antibodies for your baby's first RSV season
COVID-19	Any trimester (talk with your OB)	Per current season's vaccine	Lowers risk of severe COVID-19, which is higher in pregnancy

How the three core shots line up

Flu shot - any trimester

The inactivated flu shot can be given at any point in pregnancy during the season while flu is circulating.
If you are in your first or second trimester, September or October is the preferred window.
Get the inactivated shot, not the nasal spray. The live nasal vaccine (LAIV) is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Pregnant people have received flu shots for decades with a strong safety record.

One shot covers you and your baby. There is no separate flu shot to schedule after birth for the newborn.

Tdap - 27 to 36 weeks

Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, even if you had it before, so each baby gets fresh antibodies.
The window is 27 to 36 weeks, preferably in the earlier part of that range.
It protects against whooping cough (pertussis), which is dangerous for newborns.
CDC data show third-trimester Tdap prevents about 78% of pertussis cases and is 91% effective against hospitalized cases in babies under 2 months.

Getting Tdap again this pregnancy is expected, not a duplicate. The point is to top up antibodies for this baby.

RSV vaccine - 32 to 36 weeks

The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is given once, between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks.
It is given seasonally, September through January in most of the continental U.S.
Only Abrysvo is approved during pregnancy. Other RSV vaccines are not for pregnant people.
Because it is given in season, the antibodies your baby receives last through their first RSV season.

If your due date falls outside RSV season, your OB may skip the maternal vaccine and plan the infant antibody instead. Both are valid paths.

The RSV choice: maternal vaccine or infant antibody

Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo): you get one dose at 32-36 weeks during RSV season. Antibodies cross the placenta before birth.
Infant antibody (nirsevimab): your baby gets a shot after birth. This is the path if you were not vaccinated during this pregnancy.
Nirsevimab is given during October through March: in October if your baby was born April-September, or at birth if born October-March.
Most infants will not need both. Your provider will help you pick one based on your due date and preferences.
If you received an RSV vaccine in any previous pregnancy, the CDC does not recommend another dose in later pregnancies. Plan the infant antibody instead.

COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy

Current CDC guidance treats COVID-19 vaccination as an individual decision made with your provider, weighing the benefits and risks. The reason to consider it is clear: pregnancy raises your risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19, including higher chances of hospitalization and intensive care. The CDC states that studies of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy have included more than a million pregnant women worldwide and did not find increased health risks for pregnant people or babies. Whether to get it, and when, is a conversation for you and your OB based on your own risk and circumstances.

Rest, the time change, and the weeks before your due date

When clocks fall back, you get one extra hour. Treat it as sleep, not as a longer evening.
Aim for a consistent bedtime. Dimmer evenings can make an earlier wind-down feel natural.
Side-lying with a pillow between your knees takes pressure off your back and hips in the third trimester.
Short daytime rests are fine. If you nap late, keep it brief so it does not push back your night.
Cooler weather makes walks easier. Light daily movement supports sleep and circulation, unless your OB has advised otherwise.
Keep your hospital bag, car seat, and provider's number ready by your 36th week.

Call your provider now if you notice

A severe or persistent headache that does not ease with rest
Vision changes: blurring, spots, flashing lights, or temporary loss of vision
Pain in the upper-right belly or under the ribs
Sudden swelling of your face or hands, or rapid weight gain
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
A noticeable drop in how often your baby moves
Producing much less urine than usual

Call 911 or go to the ER

A seizure or convulsion
Fainting, or feeling like you are about to pass out
Chest pain or severe difficulty breathing
Heavy vaginal bleeding
A sudden, severe headache with confusion or trouble speaking
Your water breaks before 37 weeks, or you have regular painful contractions with strong warning signs above

Quick answers

When during pregnancy should I get Tdap?: Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, with the window at 27 to 36 weeks of gestation, preferably in the earlier part of that range. Getting it in each pregnancy passes the most antibodies to each baby. CDC data show third-trimester Tdap prevents about 78% of pertussis cases in babies under 2 months. Your provider confirms the exact date.
When is the RSV vaccine given in pregnancy, and is it required?: The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is given once between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks, seasonally from September through January in most of the U.S. It is not required. It is one of two options: the maternal vaccine before birth, or the infant antibody nirsevimab after birth. Most babies need only one. Discuss which fits your due date with your provider.
Can I get a flu shot at any point in pregnancy?: Yes. The inactivated flu shot can be given in any trimester during flu season while flu is circulating. If you are in your first or second trimester, September or October is preferred. Get the inactivated shot, not the nasal spray, which is contraindicated in pregnancy. The flu shot passes antibodies that protect your baby in their first months.
What is the difference between the maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab?: The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is given to you at 32-36 weeks, and antibodies cross to your baby before birth. Nirsevimab is an antibody shot given to your baby after birth, used if you were not vaccinated during this pregnancy. Both protect against RSV. Most infants need only one. Your provider helps you choose based on timing.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant?: Current CDC guidance treats it as an individual decision you make with your provider. Pregnancy raises your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC reports that studies of vaccination during pregnancy have included more than a million women and did not find increased health risks for pregnant people or babies. Talk with your OB about your own risk and timing.
Which late-pregnancy symptoms mean I should call my provider?: Call right away for a severe headache, vision changes, upper-right belly pain, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, much less urine, or reduced baby movement. These can signal preeclampsia. A seizure is a medical emergency, call 911. When in doubt, contact your provider; do not wait for your next visit.

Sources & further reading

What your baby needs, season to season.

ParentFlow tracks feeds, sleep, and milestones and surfaces what matters as your baby grows.

App Store Google Play Open Web App

This guide reflects current ACOG and CDC guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your OB, midwife, or pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.