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 vaccines matter in surrogacy

Vaccines help protect you and the baby from preventable illnesses that can cause serious complications during pregnancy. They also give intended parents peace of mind knowing that everything possible is being done to ensure a healthy outcome. Most importantly, they help you start this journey on the strongest, safest foundation.

During your screening, the clinic will review your immunization records. If something is missing or outdated, they’ll let you know what needs to be updated and when.

2. What Vaccines Are Required or Recommended for Surrogates?

Most fertility clinics require certain vaccines to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. These are based on standard medical guidelines and are reviewed during your screening process.

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Required if you’re not immune—especially to rubella, which can cause serious birth defects.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Needed if you haven’t had chickenpox or don’t show immunity, as infection during pregnancy can lead to complications.
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Usually given in the third trimester to help protect the baby from whooping cough.
• Flu (Influenza): Recommended during flu season to help prevent serious illness while pregnant.
• COVID-19: Some clinics require this vaccine, while others leave it optional.

In rare cases, additional vaccines may be recommended based on the clinic’s protocol or specific circumstances related to the match. If anything is missing from your records, the clinic will let you know what needs to be updated and whether a waiting period is needed before embryo transfer.

Sometimes, if a required vaccine can’t be given—due to a medical reason or personal belief—the clinic may allow a waiver. In that case, either the surrogate or the intended parents (or both) may need to sign a form acknowledging the risks and confirming they are comfortable proceeding. These situations are handled individually and must be approved by the clinic before moving forward.

3. What Happens If a Surrogate Needs a Vaccine?

If a vaccine is needed, the clinic will let you know how and when to get it. For some, you may need to wait a few weeks after the shot before embryo transfer. Others can be done during the pregnancy, under the care of your OB. If there’s a medical reason you can’t receive a certain vaccine, your doctor may discuss possible exemptions with the clinic and intended parents.

The most important thing is to be honest about your vaccination history from the start. This helps prevent delays later and allows the clinic to guide you properly.

4. Do Vaccines Impact the Surrogacy Journey?

Vaccines don’t harm the baby. On the contrary—they help protect both of you from serious illness. What matters most is timing. Live vaccines like MMR and varicella must be given before pregnancy, while non-live vaccines like Tdap and the flu shot are generally safe during pregnancy.

If you’re missing a required vaccine, medical clearance may be delayed until you’re fully up to date and past any waiting period.

5. What Should Surrogates Do About Vaccinations?

If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, it’s a good idea to check your vaccine records early and talk to your GSHC case manager if you’re unsure about anything. If you have concerns or medical reasons for avoiding a vaccine, let your clinic know as soon as possible. We’re here to support you and work through it together.