Cold and flu season: Vaccinations to get while pregnant

When you’re pregnant, your baby’s well-being is likely at the heart of every decision.

Staying up to date with essential vaccinations can help protect bub before birth and in the first few weeks of life, while also supporting mum’s health.

This is especially important during cold and flu season, when germs can cause serious complications during pregnancy.

Find out more about the vaccinations you can safely get during pregnancy to protect you and your baby when you need it most.

Changes to how the immune system responds during pregnancy can put you at a higher risk of illness from germs and viruses you would usually be able to recover from with no issues.

As the pregnant body adapts to the growing foetus, it doesn’t respond to invaders, such as a virus, the way it normally would. This means germs and bacteria pose a higher risk to the mum and baby of both getting sick and the risk of complications from the illness.¹

Accessing appropriate vaccinations at the right time during pregnancy can help to reduce the risk of infection and serious illness for both mother and baby. Vaccinations are a simple, effective way to keep mum and baby protected.

If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your GP about which vaccinations you might need in advance. Not all vaccinations are safe during pregnancy, and your doctor will be able to advise on what shots to get before conception. Vaccinations during pregnancy can help protect mother and baby during pregnancy and in the first few weeks of the baby’s life. Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy include:²

• Influenza
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Whooping cough
• COVID-19

Cases of influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and whooping cough all tend to peak in winter in Australia, and all have serious implications for both pregnant women and newborns.

Although we mainly see influenza A and B in Australia, there are many different strains. Each year a vaccine is developed to help reduce the risk of contracting the most common strains that season. Being vaccinated also reduces your risk of serious illness if you do contract the virus and can also lessen the risk of others getting sick. Pregnant women are at a greater risk of serious illness if they contract the flu because of changes in immune and lung function. Serious risks to pregnant people and baby include:³

• Pneumonia
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth
• Low birth weight

An influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect mum and baby and is safe at any stage of pregnancy. As the vaccine antibodies are passed onto the unborn baby, the vaccine also helps protect the baby from health risks for the first six months of life.⁴

Like the flu, RSV is a common infection. It affects the nose, throat, respiratory tract and lungs. It can impact the ability to breathe, especially in young children and babies. RSV during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth which can increase the risk of vision and hearing loss, developmental delays and breathing difficulties in a newborn.⁵ A baby with RSV is at risk of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.⁶ Pregnant people are recommended to have RSV vaccine at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to provide the maximum amount of protection for their unborn baby and newborn.⁶

A highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, whooping cough² can be fatal in babies. Pregnant people are recommended to have a whooping cough vaccine between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, although it can be given later. Antibodies in the vaccine help protect the unborn baby and the newborn for the first 6 weeks of life until they can receive their own vaccine.

COVID19 infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and complications such as preterm birth or stillbirth.^7,8,9 Australian guidelines consider mRNA vaccines suitable and safe for use in pregnant people. Vaccination also allows antibodies to pass to the baby, helping protect them after birth. Pregnant people who haven’t previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are encouraged to receive a primary course, while those already up to date can discuss further doses with their GP based on individual risk.

If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor. They will schedule your vaccinations at the time they are most effective for you and baby.

You may not be able to get all the necessary vaccinations at the same time. Let your doctor know if you have ever had any adverse reactions to vaccinations in the past.