The big question: Are vaccinations safe for pregnancy?

Pregnancy shifts everything. Food shopping takes twice as long. Googling baby names becomes a serious hobby. Decisions like getting a vaccination suddenly feel so much bigger, because it’s not just about you.  

---

You’re in a package deal now.

While childhood immunisations are routine, many soon-to-be parents find the notion of maternal vaccinations somewhat foreign, or a little intimidating. 

Before your brain leaps to every worst-case scenario, let us reassure you – vaccinations in pregnancy are proven to be safe. They’re an important way to keep your baby safe in their first few months of life when they’re most vulnerable. 

With the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination being free under the National Immunisation Program, we figured it’s the perfect time to remind you just how important it is to protect your baby.

Why vaccinations matter in pregnancy

---

Pregnancy changes your immune system in remarkable ways to protect your baby. But in doing so, it can make you more vulnerable to infections that might normally pass you by without much drama.

Illnesses like influenza (flu), whooping cough and RSV can cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women and newborn babies.

Vaccines during pregnancy pass protective antibodies across the placenta to give your baby critical protection from birth.

In the first few months of life, those antibodies are a vital shield. 

---

Which vaccines are recommended, and when?

---

Australia’s health experts recommend a few key vaccines during pregnancy. These are safe and beneficial for both baby and mum.

They include:

• Influenza (flu) vaccine – safe at any stage. During pregnancy you are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu. Severe cases can even cause complications such as pre-term birth. 

• Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine – ideally between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, but you can get it right up until delivery. Whooping cough can be life-threatening for newborns, but the vaccine helps ensure your baby gets strong protection. 
• RSV vaccine – recommended between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. By getting the RSV vaccination in pregnancy, this significantly reduces the chance of your baby needing hospital care for severe RSV in their first few months.

We encourage you to talk to your health professional for more information on the maternal vaccines recommended under the National Immunisation Program. 

---

The rising risk of RSV

---

For experienced parents (and those with kids in daycare or school), RSV is something you’ve likely seen before, but for first-time parents, it might feel like something you don’t need to worry about until later.

RSV is one of the most common causes of serious illness in babies, with nearly all little ones in Australia catching it before they’re two. It’s currently a leading cause of infant hospitalisations.

In 2024, there were record numbers of the virus, with 49% of cases in children under four years old. 

We know that sounds scary (and it is!) but note that studies show the RSV vaccine can reduce the risk of severe RSV by 70% and hospital stays by up to 57%.

And by getting the vaccine during pregnancy (for free, might we add), you help protect your little one before they even enter the world.

You might be wondering…

---

It’s natural to have some questions. We’ve answered some common ones, but it’s always best to chat with your GP or health professional.

 

“I’m feeling healthy, do I really need to get vaccinated?”

Yes. Even a healthy pregnancy doesn’t make you immune to viruses like the flu, whooping cough, or RSV. Vaccination is about protecting against unpredictable risks, not just responding when illness strikes.

“What if I’m already late in pregnancy?”

Vaccines like whooping cough and RSV are most effective if given in the second or third trimester. But even if you’re well into your third trimester, it’s still worth asking your doctor about options. 

“Will the vaccines make me sick?”

You might experience mild side effects like a sore arm, low-grade fever, or feeling tired. These are typical signs your immune system is doing its job. Serious side effects are rare but always talk to your health professional if you’re concerned.

“How do I bring it up if my doctor hasn’t mentioned it yet?”

It’s completely okay to say something like, “I’ve been reading about pregnancy vaccinations – can we chat about which ones I might need?”  Your care team is there to support you. 

Planning your vaccinations

---

Here are some steps to get you started.

• Ask early: Bring up the topic of vaccinations during one of your first few antenatal visits. 
• Plan around key weeks: Whooping cough between 20–32 weeks, RSV between 28-36 weeks. 
• Combine appointments: Where possible, get vaccinated during a regular checkup to avoid extra trips. It is safe to receive all maternal vaccines at the same time.  
• Stay flexible: If your pregnancy timeline shifts (like a surprise early labour), your care team can help adjust plans. 
• Double-check eligibility: Vaccines like flu, whooping cough and RSV are free during pregnancy under the National Immunisation Program.

Final thoughts

---

Just like you might swap a take-out burger for a veggie stir-fry,  maternal vaccinations are another way to look after you and your baby. 

Vaccinations in pregnancy are supported by extensive evidence and endorsed by medical professionals, so raise the conversation with your healthcare team.

Sources

---

Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in pregnancy, April 2025

Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Immunisation for pregnancy, April 2025

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Frequently asked questions (FAQs), March 2025