Advice on COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant or breastfeeding women

On 9 June 2021, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released a joint statement recommending that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Cominarty) at any stage of pregnancy.

This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby.

Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy.

Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity.

Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional.

Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.

There is no evidence that women who become pregnant after being vaccinated against COVID-19 have an increased risk of developing complications that affect their pregnancy or their baby’s health.

Women who are breastfeeding can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information read the COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Please note, the ACT is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all people in phase 1a, 1b, people aged 40 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years and over. If you’re eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnant, book in to get vaccinated now.