Infographic. Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding

Recommendations for vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding

Planning pregnancy – make sure women who are planning pregnancy are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

• Check immunisation history and give any missed vaccines. If uncertain history of vaccination or disease, check serology for these diseases and vaccinate if needed: hepatitis B, measles, varicella (if the person has not had an age-appropriate vaccine course), rubella.
• Give influenza vaccine if available and if not already given this year.
• Give extra vaccines, such as pneumococcal or meningococcal vaccines, to those medically at risk.
• Avoid pregnancy within 28 days of receiving a live vaccine.

During pregnancy – recommended vaccinations during pregnancy protect both the mother and the baby.

• Give influenza vaccine at any time during influenza season.
• Give pertussis-containing vaccine early in the 3rd trimester (ideally 20–32 weeks).
• Give non-live vaccines only if needed and if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Do not give live vaccines. If inadvertently given, seek expert advice.

Breastfeeding – breastfeeding women can safely receive most vaccines.

• Give influenza vaccine if not already given this year.
• Give other vaccines as needed.
• Give yellow fever vaccine only if needed, and if the benefits outweigh the risks.

See the Australian Immunisation Handbook for more details.