Vaccines during pregnancy
When you are pregnant your immune system changes. You may be more at risk of some infections and illnesses that can harm you and your baby.
It's important that you talk to your doctor about vaccines and pregnancy.
Vaccines during pregnancy
These vaccines are funded when you are pregnant.
Go to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website to find out about vaccines for:
It is important to have the pertussis and flu vaccine during every pregnancy, even if the pregnancies are close together.
Visit the Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website to find out more about vaccinations, including during pregnancy.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly infectious respiratory illness. Newborn babies are particularly susceptible to whooping cough.
Getting the free pertussis vaccine from 20 weeks of pregnancy gives your body time to develop protection that will be passed onto your baby before birth.
This will help protect your baby until they receive their own vaccination at 6 weeks of age. It is best to get the vaccine between 20 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, but it can be given from 20 weeks up until your baby is born.
Pertussis vaccination is recommended for adults who live in the same house and carers of the newborn baby if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.
If you have received a tetanus and diphtheria-containing vaccine in the previous 18 months you may develop some redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site.
Influenza (flu)
Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
Babies under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated but are at high risk of serious complications if they catch the virus. The best way to protect your newborn baby against influenza is to get vaccinated during pregnancy.
Find out more about flu vaccines or go to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Vaccines after pregnancy
If you were unable to be vaccinated before or during pregnancy, you should get any vaccines as soon as your baby is born.
If you are breastfeeding you should still be able to get most vaccines, however there are some you shouldn't have. Talk to your doctor.
Family and vaccines
Other family including partners, grandparents and close family should check whether they need vaccinations before your baby is born.
Other children
You should continue routine vaccinations for your other children while you are pregnant as this will help reduce the risk of you, or your new baby catching these diseases.