Safe Scheduling for Vaccines and Surgery Before Pregnancy: A Guide

What is the safest way to schedule the timing of receiving three different vaccines and undergoing surgery?

Hello Doctor: I am preparing to conceive and would like to complete the necessary vaccinations before trying to get pregnant (I will pay for the vaccines myself).
I am unsure if I have antibodies, or if I do, whether they are sufficient, so I would like to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, the shingles vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
The doctor mentioned that I have a congenital uterine septum issue and will need to undergo uterine surgery (the timing is not yet determined).
Could you please advise on how to safely schedule these three vaccinations in relation to the uterine surgery? I have researched online and found that the MMR vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least 28 days apart.
The MMR vaccine and the shingles vaccine can be given simultaneously.
If I have received a blood transfusion, I would need to wait six months before getting the MMR vaccine.
The timing for the MMR vaccine seems to need to be six months apart from any blood transfusion.
I have not received a blood transfusion so far, but I am concerned that I might need one during the uterine surgery.
I am not pregnant at the moment.

1.
How should I schedule the timing of these three vaccinations in relation to the uterine surgery to ensure safety?
2.
If I decide to receive the MMR vaccine and the shingles vaccine on January 1, and the COVID-19 vaccine (either BNT or Moderna) on February 1, how long should I wait after the MMR vaccine before the uterine surgery for safety? How long should I wait after the COVID-19 vaccine before the uterine surgery for safety?
3.
Will I experience a fever immediately after receiving the vaccines? Thank you.

xiang da ma zhen yi miao de fa wen zhe, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, vaccination is unrelated to surgery and does not affect it.
Whether you will have a fever after vaccination varies from person to person.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/08/22

More Info

When preparing for pregnancy, it is essential to ensure that your health is optimized, which includes vaccinations and any necessary medical procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safely schedule vaccines and surgery before pregnancy, particularly in your case where you have a congenital uterine septum and are considering vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), shingles, and COVID-19 vaccines.

1. Vaccine Scheduling
MMR and Shingles Vaccines:
You can receive the MMR and shingles vaccines simultaneously. This is generally considered safe and can help streamline your vaccination process. However, if you have any concerns about your immune response or potential side effects, consult with your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 Vaccine:
The COVID-19 vaccine should ideally be administered at least 28 days after the MMR vaccine. This interval is recommended to ensure that your immune system can respond adequately to each vaccine without interference.

2. Surgery Scheduling
Timing of Surgery:
Given your congenital uterine septum, it is crucial to schedule your surgery at a time that minimizes risks. Ideally, you should plan your surgery after receiving the MMR and shingles vaccines but before the COVID-19 vaccine. This way, you can ensure that your body has had time to respond to the vaccines before undergoing surgery.

If you decide to receive the MMR and shingles vaccines on January 1st, you should wait at least 4 weeks before scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine for February 1st. After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it is advisable to wait at least 1-2 weeks before undergoing surgery. This allows your body to build immunity and reduces the risk of any complications during the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Vaccine Considerations
Post-Vaccine Reactions:
It is common for individuals to experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as fever, fatigue, or soreness at the injection site. However, these reactions typically occur within a day or two after vaccination and are generally mild. If you experience a fever, it is usually not severe and resolves on its own. If you have concerns about your health post-vaccination, consult your healthcare provider.

Summary of Recommendations
- Vaccination Schedule:
- January 1: Receive MMR and shingles vaccines.

- Wait 4 weeks (until January 29) before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

- February 1: Receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

- Surgery Timing:
- Schedule your uterine surgery at least 1-2 weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure your body has had time to recover and build immunity.

Additional Considerations
- Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Always discuss your vaccination and surgery plans with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

- Genetic Counseling: Since you mentioned having family history of congenital defects, consider seeking genetic counseling. This can help assess any potential risks for your future child and guide you in making informed decisions.

- Healthy Lifestyle: In addition to vaccinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preconception health. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can ensure a safer and healthier path toward pregnancy.

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