5.3.5 Vaccinations and Surrogacy: What Surrogates Need to Know

At GSHC Surrogacy, ensuring that every surrogate mother is in optimal health before pregnancy is a crucial step in the surrogacy journey. As part of the medical screening process, surrogates may be required to receive certain vaccinations to be medically cleared for pregnancy.

Some vaccines are FDA-recommended for all pregnancies, while others may be required based on specific intended parents’ requests or the fertility clinic’s protocols.

1. Why Are Vaccines Important in the Surrogacy Journey?

Vaccines help protect the surrogate mother, the baby, and the intended parents from preventable diseases that could pose risks during pregnancy. Maintaining immunity to key infections ensures a safe, healthy pregnancy and reduces complications.

✔ Prevents infections that can cause pregnancy complications

✔ Reduces risks of transmission to the baby

✔ Ensures compliance with FDA guidelines for maternal health

✔ Meets the health requirements of intended parents

Every surrogate mother undergoes a detailed medical screening, where her vaccine records are reviewed. If a required vaccine is missing or outdated, she may need to update her immunizations before medical clearance.

2. What Vaccines Are Required or Recommended for Surrogates?

✅ Vaccines Typically Required for Medical Clearance

These vaccines are commonly required for a safe surrogacy pregnancy and are often part of standard medical guidelines for pregnant women:

✔ MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine – Required if the surrogate has no immunity to rubella, as rubella can cause severe birth defects.

✔ Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine – Required if the surrogate has no immunity, as chickenpox can lead to pregnancy complications.

✔ Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine – Recommended in the third trimester to protect the baby from whooping cough.

✔ Flu (Influenza) Vaccine – Recommended to prevent severe flu complications during pregnancy.

✔ COVID-19 Vaccine (Clinic-Dependent) – Some clinics may require COVID-19 vaccination for medical clearance.

💉 Vaccines That May Be Required for Specific Intended Parents

Some intended parents may request additional vaccines to match their medical preferences. These include:

✔ Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine – Required if the intended parents are carriers of Hepatitis B to prevent transmission.

✔ Hepatitis A Vaccine – Sometimes requested for added protection.

✔ COVID-19 Vaccine – Some intended parents prefer a surrogate who is fully vaccinated.

✔ RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine – May be recommended for surrogates carrying for high-risk IPs.

If a surrogate mother does not have these vaccines, the clinic will advise whether she needs to receive them before proceeding with medical clearance.

3. What Happens If a Surrogate Needs a Vaccine?

If a surrogate mother is missing a required vaccine, the fertility clinic will provide guidance on when and how to receive it.

✔ Some vaccines, like MMR or Varicella, must be given before embryo transfer and may require a waiting periodbefore pregnancy.

✔ Others, like Tdap and Flu, are given during pregnancy at the recommendation of the OB doctor.

✔ If a surrogate cannot receive a required vaccine for medical reasons, a medical exemption may be discussed with the clinic and intended parents.

💡 It’s important for surrogates to be upfront about their vaccine history to prevent delays in the matching or medical clearance process.

4. Do Vaccines Impact the Surrogacy Journey?

Receiving vaccines before or during pregnancy does not harm the baby. In fact, they provide protection against serious illnesses that could otherwise cause complications. However, timing is important.

❌ Live vaccines (such as MMR and Varicella) cannot be given during pregnancy, so they must be completed before embryo transfer.

✅ Non-live vaccines (such as Tdap and Flu) are safe during pregnancy and are often recommended.

If a surrogate mother is missing a required vaccine, her medical clearance may be delayed until she receives the shot and completes any necessary waiting period.

5. What Should Surrogates Do About Vaccinations?

✔ Check vaccine records early – If you are considering becoming a surrogate mother, check your immunization history in advance.

✔ Inform your case manager – Let GSHC Surrogacy know if you are missing any vaccinations so we can guide you.

✔ Discuss any concerns – If you have medical reasons for not taking a vaccine, inform your clinic as soon as possible.

✔ Follow up with your OB doctor – If you receive vaccines before or during pregnancy, your OB doctor will monitor your health and ensure a smooth surrogacy journey.

GSHC Surrogacy: Supporting Surrogates Every Step of the Way

At GSHC Surrogacy, we ensure that every surrogate mother is fully informed and medically prepared for a safe pregnancy. If you have any questions about vaccine requirements for surrogacy, our team is here to help.

✔ Comprehensive medical screening for surrogates

✔ Guidance on required and recommended vaccinations

✔ Support for a smooth and healthy surrogacy journey

💙 Your health matters. Your journey matters. Let’s build families together.