Most U.S. adults remain uncertain about which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, according to a July 2026 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. While awareness of seasonal flu shots is highest, fewer than one-third of Americans correctly identify the CDC’s recommendations for Tdap, RSV, or hepatitis B vaccines, leaving a significant knowledge gap in prenatal care.
Vaccine Awareness Levels Among U.S. Adults
The APPC survey, which gathered data from 1,031 U.S. adults, reveals that confusion is the most common response when individuals are asked about pregnancy-related vaccine guidelines. For each of the four vaccines routinely recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—flu, Tdap, RSV, and hepatitis B—at least 45% of respondents admitted they were not sure if the vaccines were advised.
The seasonal flu vaccine holds the highest recognition, with nearly half of respondents correctly identifying it as recommended. In contrast, only 23% of the public knows that the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for pregnant individuals who have not previously been vaccinated.
Did you know?
The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, to provide essential protection for the newborn.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Patient Education
Patrick E. Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute, emphasizes that the primary point of contact for immunization is the local pharmacy or a primary healthcare provider. “It is critical that those professionals pay special attention to vaccine recommendations for recipients who are pregnant,” Jamieson stated following the release of the survey findings.
While women of childbearing age (18-49) show significantly higher awareness than other demographic groups, even this cohort struggles with the specifics. For example, 30% of women in this age bracket know the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended, while 60% are aware of the seasonal flu recommendation. Despite these higher numbers, the “not sure” response remains dominant across all age groups.
Conflicting Guidance on Covid-19 Vaccination
The survey highlights a distinct divide regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. While the CDC states that pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness from Covid-19, it does not issue a blanket recommendation, instead favoring “individual decision making” based on the benefits and risks. Over half of the survey respondents were unsure if the CDC recommended the vaccine at all.
This approach contrasts with the stance of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG strongly recommends that pregnant and lactating individuals receive updated Covid-19 vaccines, maintaining a clearer position than the CDC’s current guidance.
Misconceptions About Non-Recommended Vaccines
The survey findings offer a silver lining: relatively few Americans incorrectly believe that the CDC recommends vaccines that are actually contraindicated during pregnancy. Live-virus vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and chickenpox (varicella), are not recommended for pregnant individuals.
The primary issue remains a lack of knowledge rather than the adoption of incorrect medical advice. As Ken Winneg, APPC’s managing director of survey research, noted, the challenge lies in “overcoming the widespread uncertainty over what the CDC does recommend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which vaccines does the CDC routinely recommend during pregnancy?
The CDC recommends the seasonal flu vaccine, the Tdap vaccine, the RSV vaccine (during weeks 32-36), and the hepatitis B vaccine for those not already up to date. - Why are some vaccines not recommended during pregnancy?
The CDC advises against live-virus vaccines, such as MMR and chickenpox, during pregnancy. These should be administered before or after the pregnancy. - What is the stance on the Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy?
The CDC suggests that individuals make decisions based on their own risk assessment, while ACOG strongly recommends that pregnant individuals receive updated Covid-19 vaccines.
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