Antenatal Care › Immunisations
Immunisations in pregnancy
Some vaccines in pregnancy protect both you and your baby, including in the first months of life when your baby is too young to be vaccinated. They are free and recommended in every pregnancy.
Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
Vaccines recommended in every pregnancy
Three vaccines are recommended in every pregnancy and are free under the National Immunisation Program. They can be given on the same day, and alongside your Anti-D injection if you need one. Your GP, the antenatal clinic and many pharmacies can give them.
Whooping cough
Given as dTpa each pregnancy. Your antibodies protect your baby from birth until their own vaccines start at 6 weeks.
Influenza (flu)
Flu can be more serious in pregnancy. The vaccine also protects your baby in their early months.
RSV
A single dose of Abrysvo, free since 2025, guards your baby against RSV chest infections through their first months.
What about COVID-19?
COVID-19 vaccination is no longer routinely recommended in every pregnancy. It stays safe to have, and is recommended if you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine, or if you have medical risk factors or a high chance of exposure. If that is you, it can be given at any stage. Otherwise it is a choice to talk through with your GP.
Vaccines for before or after pregnancy
Some vaccines use a live, weakened virus and are not given during pregnancy, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox (varicella). If you need these, they are given before pregnancy or after your baby is born. A preconception check or your postnatal visit is a good time to get these sorted with your GP.
Protecting your baby at home
Whooping cough often spreads from adults to babies, so partners, grandparents and other close carers should be up to date with their whooping cough vaccine, ideally at least two weeks before meeting your baby, and with their yearly flu vaccine. Your GP can advise who needs what.
Helpful resources
Where to read more
Trusted information on vaccines in pregnancy. These open outside bubs in bathurst.
Immunisation for pregnancy
Plain-language information on the free vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including whooping cough, flu and RSV, from the Department of Health.
Read on health.gov.auNSW immunisation schedule
The full schedule of free vaccines in NSW, including those for pregnancy and for your baby once they arrive.
Open the scheduleWhere to next