Pregnancy vaccination at Brentwood Pharmacy
Vaccines During Pregnancy in Burnaby
Some vaccines given during pregnancy protect you and pass protection to your baby before birth. BC recommends four: whooping cough (Tdap), flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Book one visit and our pharmacist will help you plan which ones you need and when.
Tell us how many weeks pregnant you are when you visit, so we can check the timing for each vaccine.
Protection that reaches your baby
Babies cannot get some of these vaccines until they are older. Antibodies you make during pregnancy pass to your baby and help protect them in the first months of life.
Which vaccines are recommended in pregnancy?
Your pharmacist will review your vaccine history and how far along you are.
Whooping cough (Tdap), in every pregnancy
Recommended in each pregnancy, even if you had it before. It works best between 27 and 32 weeks, and can be given from 13 weeks until delivery. Free in BC. More about Tdap.
Flu shot, at any stage
Safe at any point in pregnancy, including the first trimester. Only the injection is used in pregnancy, not the nasal spray. Free in BC. Flu and COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19, at any stage
Recommended during pregnancy and can be given at any time. Free in BC this fall and winter.
RSV (Abrysvo), late in pregnancy
Given from 28 weeks to the end of 36 weeks, ideally at least 2 weeks before birth. It helps protect your baby from RSV, a common cause of serious breathing illness in infants. More about RSV.
When to get each vaccine
A simple guide by week of pregnancy. Your pharmacist will confirm the timing that fits you.
- Any time
Flu and COVID-19
Can be given at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
- 27 to 32 weeks
Whooping cough (Tdap)
The best window for Tdap. It can still be given earlier, from 13 weeks, or later, up to delivery.
- 28 to 36 weeks
RSV (Abrysvo)
Ideally at least 2 weeks before your baby is born. It is not given after 36 weeks.
Planning a pregnancy
Before pregnancy
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and chickenpox vaccines are not given during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, check that you are protected first.
Wait at least 4 weeks after these vaccines before becoming pregnant. Your pharmacist can review your record and help you catch up.
After your baby arrives
After birth and for your household
Routine vaccines are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Any vaccines you missed during pregnancy can be given soon after birth.
Grandparents, partners and caregivers should be up to date on whooping cough protection and their flu shot before spending time with a newborn.
Some higher-risk babies can get a free RSV antibody after birth. Ask your baby's care provider.
Book your visit
Book a pregnancy vaccination
Choose a time below. Our pharmacist will review your history, how many weeks pregnant you are, and which vaccines make sense at this visit. Prefer to ask first? Call (604) 564-3334.
Having trouble with the calendar? Open booking in a new tab or call our pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
A few things to know before you speak with our team.
Can I get more than one vaccine at the same visit?
Your pharmacist will plan which vaccines to give at this visit and which to schedule later, based on your weeks of pregnancy and your history.
I had Tdap in my last pregnancy. Do I need it again?
Yes. Protection fades, so BC recommends Tdap in every pregnancy. A new dose gives this baby the strongest protection.
Is the flu shot safe in the first trimester?
Yes. The flu shot can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Only the injection is used, not the nasal spray.
I am past 36 weeks. Can I still get the RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine in pregnancy is given from 28 weeks to the end of 36 weeks. If you have passed that window, ask your care provider about RSV protection for your baby after birth.
Which vaccines should I avoid in pregnancy?
Live vaccines, such as MMR, chickenpox and the nasal spray flu vaccine, are not given during pregnancy. Your pharmacist will check before any vaccine is given.
What are common side effects?
A sore arm, redness or swelling where the needle went in, tiredness or a mild fever can happen. These usually pass in 1 to 2 days. Tell your pharmacist about any previous severe vaccine allergy.
Ready to book your vaccination?
Choose an appointment online, or call our team for help planning your pregnancy vaccines at Brentwood Pharmacy.
4451 Lougheed Hwy.
Burnaby, BC V5C 3Z2
Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM
Health information: HealthLink BC: Immunization and pregnancy, HealthLink BC: Tdap vaccine and HealthLink BC: RSV vaccine.
General information to support your conversation with a pharmacist. Individual eligibility is confirmed by the pharmacist.
