Vaccinations to protect you and your baby.
Vaccination can protect you and your unborn baby from harmful disease. It’s important you are up to date with your vaccinations before you become pregnant. This is because:
A simple blood test can show if you are protected.
You should not get pregnant for one month after you have received an MMR or varicella vaccine as these vaccines may be harmful to your baby.
Speak to your health care provider if you are already pregnant and have not been vaccinated against MMR or chickenpox. They may:
The vaccines recommended in pregnancy (influenza, pertussis and COVID-19) are safe and effective for you and your baby. Vaccination in pregnancy helps protect your baby against these diseases and their complications. After you are vaccinated, your antibodies will pass to your unborn baby in the womb.
You can book a vaccine appointment through your:
Discuss your vaccine recommendations with your health care provider.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine
*Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist if this applies to you.
It is safe for you to receive most routine vaccinations immediately after you give birth, even if you are breastfeeding. Speak to your provider about what vaccines you may need.
On-time vaccination is your baby's best protection against preventable and serious diseases.
All vaccines given to children in Australia are carefully tested and monitored to make sure they are safe and effective.
This fact sheet is also available in: