Health Professionals Encouraged to Discuss Maternal Vaccines During Pregnancy

Health Professionals Encouraged to Discuss Maternal Vaccines During Pregnancy

16 Jun 2026

The recommended maternal vaccines are influenza, pertussis (whooping cough) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Experts say a recommendation from an antenatal care provider is one of the strongest factors influencing whether a pregnant woman chooses to be vaccinated, making vaccine discussions an important part of routine antenatal care.

The influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and has been shown to be both safe and effective. It helps protect pregnant women from influenza and its complications, while also providing protection to newborns during their first months of life.

Women who received an influenza vaccine before becoming pregnant are still advised to be vaccinated again during pregnancy to help protect their baby.

The pertussis vaccine is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, while the maternal RSV vaccine is recommended year-round between 28 and 36 weeks gestation.

Healthcare providers are also encouraged to ensure influenza vaccinations are recorded in the woman's antenatal record and the Australian Immunisation Register.

The guidance reinforces the important role healthcare professionals play in improving maternal vaccine uptake and protecting families from serious infectious diseases.

Health Professionals Encouraged to Discuss Maternal Vaccines During Pregnancy


Source: Australian Government

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