How do COVID-19 vaccines protect me if I'm pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy?
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy are recommended to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce their risk of severe illness.
If you’re pregnant and become infected with COVID-19, you are at greater risk of severe illness than someone who is not pregnant. This means it’s even more important for you to get vaccinated if you’re planning to get pregnant or are currently pregnant. The risk of severe illness decreases with the number of vaccine doses you have received.
COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of complications for the newborn. By getting vaccinated, you also protect your baby. Antibodies your body produces after being vaccinated can be passed to your baby in cord blood and breastmilk and may offer protection to your baby through passive immunity.
Real-world evidence shows that the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are effective and very safe to use if you are pregnant.
Approval of COVID-19 vaccines for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding occurred after the vaccines were approved for the general population, because conclusive data was needed to show the vaccines were safe and effective.
The Australian Government's COVID-19 vaccination – Shared decision making guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy provides answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy and in those planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Speak to your doctor or midwife if you have concerns about being vaccinated.