Which vaccine is recommended for pregnant women to protect against respiratory illness?

The influenza vaccine is recommended for pregnant women to protect against respiratory illness due to the increased risk of severe illness from influenza during pregnancy. Pregnant women experience physiological changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs, which can make them more susceptible to complications from respiratory infections like influenza. Vaccination during pregnancy not only helps protect the mother but also provides some immunity to the developing fetus, contributing to the infant's protection during the first few months of life.

Administering the influenza vaccine during pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness in both mother and child. The vaccine is inactivated and considered safe at any stage of pregnancy, making it a crucial preventative measure for expectant mothers.

While the Tdap vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) and the COVID-19 vaccine is crucial for protecting against COVID-19, the specific focus of this question is on respiratory illnesses. The meningococcal vaccine, while important for certain populations, does not directly address respiratory infections like influenza does.