Immunisation During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy is a transformative time — filled with anticipation, careful planning, and important decisions about your health and the health of your baby. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect both yourself and your unborn child is to stay up to date with recommended immunisations during pregnancy. 

While it’s natural to feel cautious about what you take or do during pregnancy, some vaccinations are safe, recommended, and can prevent serious illnesses for both mother and baby. In fact, by getting certain vaccines at the right time, you’re not only reducing your own risk of complications but also giving your baby vital early immunity. 

Why Immunisation Is Important During Pregnancy 

Pregnancy temporarily alters your immune system. While this change helps your body support your growing baby, it also leaves you more vulnerable to certain infections. Illnesses like influenza and whooping cough can have more severe consequences during pregnancy and may even be passed on to your baby after birth. 

Vaccination during pregnancy provides passive immunity — meaning the protective antibodies your body makes in response to the vaccine are transferred to your baby through the placenta. This gives your newborn critical protection in the first few months of life, before they’re old enough to be vaccinated themselves. 

So, by getting vaccinated during pregnancy, you’re protecting two lives with one simple step. 

Which Vaccines Are Recommended for Pregnant Women in Australia? 

In Australia, there are two key vaccines routinely recommended during pregnancy: 

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine 

• When to get it: Between 20 and 32 weeks, ideally as early as possible in that window. 

• Why it matters: Whooping cough can be life-threatening for young babies, especially in their first few months. Vaccination during pregnancy helps your baby build protection before they are born. 

• How it’s given: As part of the dTpa vaccine (which also covers diphtheria and tetanus). 

• Cost: Free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. 

Even if you’ve had the whooping cough vaccine before, a booster dose is recommended in each pregnancy, regardless of spacing between pregnancies. 

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine 

• When to get it: At any time during pregnancy, and ideally before or during flu season (April to October). 

• Why it matters: Pregnant women are more likely to suffer severe complications from the flu, including pneumonia and hospitalisation. The flu can also increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. 

• Cost: Also free for all pregnant women in Australia. 

The flu vaccine is inactivated, meaning it does not contain any live virus and cannot cause the flu. 

Are These Vaccines Safe in Pregnancy?

Yes — the influenza and whooping cough vaccines are both safe for use during pregnancy and are strongly recommended by the Department of Health and major obstetric and paediatric organisations across Australia. 

Both are inactivated vaccines, meaning they do not contain live virus and cannot infect you or your baby. Instead, they stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies, which then offer protection for both you and your baby. 

Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue — all of which are short-lived and far outweighed by the benefits of immunisation. 

Vaccines to Avoid During Pregnancy 

While some vaccines are safe and recommended, others are not suitable for use during pregnancy — particularly live vaccines. These include: 

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) 

• Varicella (chickenpox) 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

• BCG (tuberculosis) 

If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s wise to discuss your vaccination history with your GP. Some of these vaccines require you to wait at least a month after receiving them before trying to conceive. 

Before, During and After Pregnancy – What to Consider 

Before Pregnancy 

If you’re planning to become pregnant, ask your GP to check your immunisation record. They may recommend updating certain vaccines — like rubella or chickenpox — before conception. 

During Pregnancy 

Attend all your antenatal appointments, and speak to your GP or midwife about scheduling your whooping cough and flu vaccinations at the right times. Many clinics and hospitals offer these vaccines during your routine check-ups. 

After Birth 

If you weren’t able to get vaccinated during pregnancy, some vaccines can be given soon after delivery. It’s also important for partners, grandparents, and other close contacts to be up to date with their whooping cough and flu shots to protect your newborn — a strategy called “cocooning”. 

Where Can I Get Vaccinated?

Pregnant women in Australia can receive recommended vaccines through: 

• Southport Doctors Clinic 

• Antenatal clinics in hospitals 

• Some participating pharmacies 

• Community health centres 

Both the influenza and whooping cough vaccines are available for free as part of the National Immunisation Program. If you’re unsure where to go, your GP or midwife can guide you. 

Immunisation Is a Powerful Way to Protect Your Baby

When you choose to vaccinate during pregnancy, you’re making a proactive decision to support your baby’s health from day one. It’s a quick, safe and scientifically backed way to reduce the risk of serious illness for both of you. 

Thousands of Australian women are safely vaccinated during pregnancy each year — and the results speak for themselves. Babies born to vaccinated mothers are better protected against life-threatening infections like whooping cough and influenza in the first vulnerable months of life. 

Book Your Immunisation Appointment Today 

Whether you’re in your first trimester or approaching the third, it’s never too early to start a conversation about immunisation. If you have questions or need to book in, speak to your GP today. 

Book your antenatal immunisation appointment here.