Houston Pregnancy Vaccine Checklist for Fall 2026: What to Know About RSV, Flu, COVID-19 and Tdap Timing by Trimester

If you’re pregnant this fall, you may have questions about which vaccines you need and when to get them. Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Tdap vaccines can play an important role in protecting both you and your baby.

Because vaccine recommendations can change based on the season, your pregnancy stage, and your health history, your OB-GYN can help you determine what is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy Vaccine Checklist at a Glance

For many pregnant patients, the Fall 2026 vaccine conversation may include:

• Flu vaccine: Recommended during pregnancy when the seasonal vaccine is available.

• COVID-19 vaccine: Discuss the current seasonal vaccine and your individual recommendations with your provider.

• Tdap: Recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks.

• RSV vaccine: Recommended for eligible pregnant patients during a specific period of pregnancy and RSV season.

Your exact schedule may depend on your due date, previous vaccinations, medical history, and current recommendations.

First Trimester: Start the Conversation

Your first prenatal visits are a good time to review your vaccination history and plan ahead.

Flu vaccine

The flu shot can be given during any trimester of pregnancy when appropriate. Pregnant patients are at increased risk of complications from influenza, making seasonal protection important.

The recommended flu vaccine during pregnancy is the inactivated flu shot, rather than the live nasal spray vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine

Ask your OB-GYN whether you should receive the current seasonal COVID-19 vaccine based on the latest recommendations and your individual circumstances.

You can also use this visit to discuss when your Tdap and RSV vaccinations may fit into your pregnancy timeline.

Second Trimester: Plan Ahead

As you approach fall and winter, respiratory viruses and seasonal allergies may become more common.

Continue discussing flu and COVID-19 vaccination with your provider if you have not yet received the recommended seasonal vaccines.

This is also a good time to plan for Tdap, which is recommended during every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks.

Planning ahead can help ensure you don't miss the recommended window.

Third Trimester: Focus on Tdap and RSV Timing

Tdap: 27–36 weeks

Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Getting Tdap during each pregnancy helps your body produce antibodies that can pass to your baby before birth.

Even if you received Tdap during a previous pregnancy, it is recommended again during each pregnancy.

RSV vaccine

RSV can cause serious respiratory illness in young infants. For eligible pregnant patients, an RSV vaccine may help provide protection to the baby during the early months of life.

However, RSV vaccination during pregnancy is timing-specific. Your OB-GYN can determine whether you are within the recommended gestational-age and seasonal window and discuss whether maternal vaccination or another infant protection option is appropriate.

Can Pregnancy Vaccines Be Given Together?

Some vaccines may be given during the same visit, depending on your medical history and current recommendations.

If you prefer to space them out, your OB-GYN can help you create a schedule that keeps you protected while considering your pregnancy timeline.

Always tell your provider about previous vaccine reactions or allergies before receiving a vaccine.

What If You Were Vaccinated Before Pregnancy?

Previous vaccination does not always mean you are fully covered during your current pregnancy.

For example, Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy, while flu and COVID-19 vaccination depend on the current seasonal recommendations and your vaccination history.

Bring your vaccine records to your prenatal appointment whenever possible.

Simple Fall 2026 Checklist

Before the respiratory virus season gets underway:

• Review your vaccination history with your OB-GYN
• Ask about the current flu vaccine
• Discuss the current COVID-19 vaccine
• Plan your Tdap for 27–36 weeks
• Ask whether you are eligible for maternal RSV vaccination
• Tell your provider about previous vaccine reactions or allergies
• Encourage household members and caregivers to stay current on recommended vaccines

Protecting You and Your Baby

Keeping up with recommended vaccinations during pregnancy can help protect you from serious illness while giving your baby important early protection.

At Pristine Health, our OB-GYN team can help you understand which vaccines may be recommended during your pregnancy and when they fit into your prenatal care schedule.

If you have questions about pregnancy vaccines in Houston or want a personalized immunization plan for Fall 2026, Pristine Health is here to help. Book an appointment today with our OB-GYN team to stay protected and give your baby the strongest possible start.