VAXBaby 47: The RhoGAM Shot

If you’re pregnant and are being recommended the Rhogam shot, you may have questions about whether this procedure is necessary or safe. The Rhogam shot is often given to mothers with a negative blood type at 28 weeks and within 72 hours of birth. You probably remember how there are different blood types: A, B, AB and O. Sometimes you’ll hear blood types mentioned as A positive, or A negative. That negative or positive indicates your Rh factor. If a particular protein is present on your red blood cells, you’re Rh positive. If your blood type was B, they’d say you’re B positive—your blood is in the B group and you’re Rh positive. B negative would mean your blood is in the B group but you’re missing that special protein on your red blood cell. You’re RH negative. About 82% of people are Rh positive. Some are Rh negative. It doesn’t make you unhealthy or anything, but it can cause a problem under a very rare circumstance.