Ohio

Vaccinations for Pregnant Women

Vaccines are a safe and essential part of prenatal care, helping to protect both mother and baby. Immunity passed from mother to child provides early protection for newborns who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Safe at any stage of pregnancy and helps prevent serious flu complications.
• Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Recommended during weeks 27–36 of each pregnancy to protect newborns from whooping cough.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Strongly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.

Vaccinations for Children

Routine childhood vaccines protect against serious diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, and more. Ohio follows the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule. The main Childhood Vaccines Include:

• Hepatitis B: Birth, 1–2 months, and 6–18 months,
• DTaP, Polio, Hib, MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus: Given in a series from 2 months to 6 years,
• HPV: Starting at age 11–12, and
• Meningococcal: Required for school entry in Ohio

Where to Get Vaccinated in Ohio

Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Ohio participates in the federal VFC program, which provides free vaccines to children under 19 who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native.

Local Health Departments and Clinics: Ohio’s county health departments and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer low-cost or free immunizations for children, pregnant women, and adults.

Primary Care Providers & OB-GYNs: Most private healthcare providers and OB-GYNs administer recommended vaccines during prenatal visits and pediatric checkups.

Indian Health Services (IHS): Eligible American Indian and Alaska Native families living in Ohio may access vaccinations through tribal or partner IHS clinics.