Vaccines for women: Expert recommended vaccines for women, from teenage to pregnancy, menopause and more

Adult vaccines for women’s health: Adult immunisation is also important as age-related changes and chronic comorbidities make women more susceptible to diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles etc (Image: Pexels)

Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases in both men and women. Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections before any serious damage. Women face different vaccination needs as they age, especially with milestones including pregnancy and menopause.

Adult immunisation is also important as age-related changes and chronic comorbidities make women more susceptible to diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles etc, warns Dr Keerti Khetan, Director, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Here's a age-wise break-up of essential vaccinations

Also read | Vaccines myths and facts: Do they have side effects? Are vaccines meant only for children?

Teens (9–14 years)

The teenage years are the best time to build long-term immunity from preventable illnesses. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is of greatest importance in the prevention of cervical cancer, which has an asymptomatic pre-cancer stage. HPV immunisation is advised by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and WHO in a two-dose regimen for girls aged 9–14 years. Catch-up immunisation (15–26 years) may be provided, but the efficacy can be compromised in sexually active females. The vaccine gives targeted protection against the most common strains of HPV which are cancer-causing.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time when women are more susceptible to infections that can impact the baby too. Antibodies pass from mother to baby through the placenta, which guards the baby until they have developed their own immunity, normally by six months of age.

Safe vaccines in pregnancyare toxoid and inactivated vaccines like:

• Td/Tdap: For tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; best at 27–36 weeks for maximum transfer of antibodies.
• Flu: Inactivated flu vaccine is preferred, especially during the flu season.

Other vaccinations (hepatitis, rabies, pneumococcal, meningococcal, typhoid, COVID-19) should be given if needed. Live vaccines like MMR, varicella, and OPV need to be avoided during pregnancy but may be utilized in high-risk exposure situations.

Also read | No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: Health Ministry

Menopause (45+ years)

Immune function deteriorates with age and infection susceptibility rises. Vaccination in menopausal transition is an indicator of healthy ageing. The vaccines to be used are:

• Influenza: Every year in all adults.
• Tdap/Td booster: 10 years.
• Shingles (Shingrix): From 50 years, even if one has had shingles in the past.
• Pneumococcal: From 65 years, or sooner in chronic disease.
• Hepatitis A & B: For women at risk (liver disease, diabetes, occupational risk).

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.