Vaccinations during pregnancy in Sunshine
Influenza, whooping cough and maternal RSV vaccination can reduce risks during pregnancy and early infancy. Discuss timing and suitability with your maternity team and the pharmacist. Funding and service availability require confirmation.
Vaccination timing to discuss
NIP Medicare and program criteria apply. The clinician checks the appropriate formulation, timing, prior doses and individual risks before care.
Influenza
Recommended at any stage of each pregnancy. An appropriate influenza vaccine can reduce illness and severe outcomes; protection is incomplete.
Whooping cough (dTpa)
Recommended in each pregnancy, preferably at 20 to 32 weeks. If missed, seek advice about a later dose and time for antibody transfer.
Maternal RSV
Recommended from 28 weeks in each pregnancy. It can still be considered after 36 weeks. The maternity team checks expected birth timing and the infant’s separate immunisation options.
Planning your appointment
Discuss the right timing for each vaccination
Some indicated vaccinations may be given together. The decision depends on your gestation, prior doses, medical history and preference. Allow time for assessment, consent and at least 15 minutes of observation, longer if advised.
Eligible NIP vaccinations provided through NIPVIP have no out-of-pocket cost. No service fee applies. Our pharmacist confirms Medicare and program eligibility, suitability and whether we can provide the vaccination for your circumstances.
Pre-pregnancy record review
Review your vaccination records with a clinician before pregnancy where possible. Some live vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy. If needed beforehand, follow advice about avoiding pregnancy for 28 days after MMR or chickenpox vaccination.
- MMR: assess valid dose or immunity evidence and pregnancy precautions.
- Chickenpox: review previous disease, doses or other evidence with a clinician.
- Hepatitis B: assess records and individual risk; testing is not required for everyone.
- Other vaccinations: discuss health, occupational, travel and pregnancy-related recommendations.
A clinician decides whether blood tests or specialist advice are needed. Arrange requested testing through an appropriate provider. Results do not automatically establish that a same-day vaccination is suitable.
Your appointment, step by step
- 1
Pre-vaccination screening
Confirm gestation with your maternity team and bring your medical and vaccination history.
- 2
Consent
Discuss expected benefits, risks, alternatives and costs, ask questions and give informed consent.
- 3
The vaccine(s)
If indicated, the clinician explains and administers the appropriate vaccinations.
- 4
Observation and aftercare
Stay for at least 15 minutes, longer if advised. Tell the clinician promptly if you feel unwell.
- 5
Recording to the AIR
Ask about AIR reporting. Maternal doses are recorded against the pregnant person, not as doses administered to the baby.
- 6
Copy to GP or midwife (on request)
Discuss sharing information with your maternity team through an appropriate lawful process.
Ready to book your pregnancy vaccines?
Walk in, or reserve a time online via Priceline's booking system.
The evidence on safety
Recommended pregnancy vaccines are assessed for their expected benefits and risks. They are not live vaccines, but that does not mean adverse effects are impossible. Tell the clinician about previous reactions, current health and any concerns before consenting.
Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, BCG, live attenuated influenza) are not given in pregnancy. That's why pre-conception immunity checks matter, anything live should be sorted out before you conceive.
Australia uses both active and passive safety surveillance. AusVaxSafety collects follow-up information from participating services, while Victorian adverse events can be reported to SAEFVIC through SAFEVAC. Reporting does not replace care: call 000 for breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling or collapse, and seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening symptoms.
FAQs about pregnancy vaccinations
Can vaccinations be given at one visit?
Some pregnancy vaccinations may be given at the same visit when indicated. Your maternity team and immuniser check gestation, previous doses, suitability and your preferences. Do not delay a recommended dose just to combine appointments.
What should I know about benefits and risks?
Influenza, whooping cough and maternal RSV vaccination are recommended in pregnancy at the appropriate time. The clinician discusses expected benefits, possible adverse effects and individual precautions. No vaccination provides complete protection or is free of risk.
Do I need a referral?
Contact the pharmacy to confirm the service and availability. Your circumstances may require maternity-team or other treating-clinician advice before vaccination.
What does it cost?
Eligible National Immunisation Program vaccinations provided here through NIPVIP have no out-of-pocket cost. There is no $20 service fee or other patient charge for those appointments. Our pharmacist confirms program eligibility, Medicare eligibility and suitability before vaccination. Ask us to confirm any costs if you are not eligible for a funded service.
I am past 32 weeks. Is it too late for whooping cough?
The preferred time is 20 to 32 weeks in each pregnancy. If missed, ask promptly about vaccination later in pregnancy; protection for the infant depends partly on time for antibody transfer. Do not assume a late dose gives immediate protection.
Can I attend without Medicare?
Ask about suitable private services. NIPVIP requires Medicare and program eligibility. Private vaccination has a $20 service fee per dose, with any medicine cost confirmed separately.
What about COVID-19 vaccination?
A clinician checks current pregnancy recommendations, previous doses, clinical risk and funding. Pregnancy advice may differ from general adult booster advice. Same-visit administration can be considered when the vaccines are indicated.
Do I need whooping cough and RSV again in another pregnancy?
Current advice recommends whooping cough vaccination in each pregnancy and maternal RSV from 28 weeks in each pregnancy. The clinician checks previous doses and any individual circumstances.
What happens at the appointment?
The clinician checks gestation, medical history, records, consent, funding and suitability. Remain for at least 15 minutes after vaccination, longer if advised. Ask about aftercare and AIR reporting. A maternal vaccination is recorded against the pregnant person, not as a dose given to the baby.
How can this help my baby?
Antibodies can pass through the placenta and reduce the infant’s risk of some infections and severe outcomes early in life. Protection is incomplete and depends on timing and individual factors. Ask the maternity or child-health team about the baby’s own immunisations.
For maternal & child health nurses and antenatal clinics
Maternity and child-health teams may contact the pharmacy about service availability and coordination. The pharmacy confirms scope, staffing and any referral needs. Do not assume an established partnership or guaranteed walk-in service.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Immunisation Handbook, Vaccination for pregnant women
- Department of Health and Aged Care, Vaccines during pregnancy
- Better Health Channel, Pregnancy and immunisation
- NCIRS: Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, guide for health professionals
- SKAI, Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (Murdoch Children's Research Institute)
General information only, not personal medical advice. Your clinician checks your records, suitability, current guidance and funding before vaccination.
Book your pregnancy vaccinations
Contact the pharmacy to confirm availability and discuss a plan with your maternity team.