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Pregnancy Vaccinations in Busan

Some vaccines in pregnancy protect both you and your newborn in the first months of life, before the baby can be vaccinated. Here's which vaccines are recommended, when to get them, which to avoid, and where to go in Busan.

Recommended during pregnancy

• Influenza (flu): an inactivated vaccine that can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Flu can be more serious during pregnancy, and the antibodies you make also help protect your baby after birth. Pregnant women have been included in Korea's free national flu vaccination program. Bring proof of pregnancy, such as your maternal health handbook, and check this season's details with the clinic or public health center.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends one dose between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy, to protect newborns from whooping cough. If you miss it, get it soon after delivery. Some local governments subsidize Tdap for pregnant women and family caregivers, so ask your public health center.
• Others when indicated: your doctor may recommend hepatitis B or other vaccines based on your risks, or COVID-19 vaccination according to current guidance.

Usually avoided during pregnancy

Live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) are generally not given during pregnancy. If your blood tests show you're not immune to rubella or chickenpox, you'll usually be vaccinated after delivery. HPV vaccination is also postponed until after pregnancy.

Planning a pregnancy?

A pre-pregnancy check can confirm rubella and chickenpox immunity. If you need these live vaccines, they're usually given at least one month before trying to conceive.

What the visit involves

A short review of your pregnancy and allergies, the injection, and a 15 to 30 minute wait for any reaction. A sore arm and mild tiredness are common. You can usually get vaccines at your OB/GYN clinic, a public health center or an internal medicine or family clinic.

Cost and insurance

Flu vaccines under the national program are free for eligible pregnant women. Tdap and other vaccines are often self-pay unless a local program applies. The pregnancy and childbirth voucher may be usable toward some costs at participating institutions. Ask before you book.

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport, your maternal handbook and your vaccination records from home.
• Ask the clinic to record each dose so you have a copy.
• See the international patients guide .

Related

• Prenatal Care
• Pregnancy Blood Tests
• HPV Vaccination
• Postpartum Care
• Pregnancy services
• International Patients

When to get help sooner

Seek emergency care (call 119) if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash after a vaccine. If you're pregnant and develop a high fever, a rash, or exposure to chickenpox or measles, call your OB/GYN promptly.

Busan clinics and hospitals for pregnancy care

Hospitals marked "Delivers" are on HIRA's list of facilities that can deliver babies. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm which vaccines are available.

Pregnancy vaccination FAQ