As insurance companies vary in their requirements, a pregnant woman is advised to check with her travel agent if she needs a written 'pre-travel health statement' prior to departure. Medical assistance and maternity care are generally not covered by insurance from the beginning of the ninth month of pregnancy and many airlines will not carry pregnant women after 36 weeks. It is important to first check with the airline before booking. Vaccinations and medicines The use of medicines during pregnancy is a complicated and sometimes confusing issue. Manufacturers often have not undertaken the relevant clinical studies to conclusively state whether a particular medicine is safe to take during pregnancy.
Vaccines are no exception.
The majority of the manufacturers state that there is insufficient information to recommend the use of their vaccine during pregnancy and advise avoidance. Others say there is a lack of information so their vaccine should be used with caution. In any situation where a medicine is required during pregnancy, your doctor must weigh up the risks to the unborn foetus against the benefits to the mother. If the benefits outweigh the risks, a doctor will probably prescribe the medicine. For more specific information about individual vaccines click here .