Pregnancy Vaccination: Protecting Your Baby and You
Taking care of your health during pregnancy is crucial and that includes protecting yourself and your baby from preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to do this.
Here are some key facts about pregnancy vaccination:
Safe and effective: Vaccines have been rigorously tested and proven safe and effective for pregnant women and their babies.
Protects your baby: Vaccines pass antibodies to your baby through the placenta, providing them with protection from diseases like whooping cough, flu, and COVID-19 in their early months.
Protects you: Vaccines also protect you, the mother, from serious illnesses during pregnancy.
Recommended by experts: Leading health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), strongly recommend vaccination for pregnant women.
Which vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?
The specific vaccines recommended during pregnancy may vary depending on your individual health and circumstances. However, some of the most common vaccines given during pregnancy include:
✔️ dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough)
✔️ Influenza (also known as flu)
✔️ COVID-19
✔️ RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
Talk to your antenatal healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you. They can help you understand the benefits and risks and make the best decision for your health and your baby's well-being.
Remember, vaccinating during pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy start for you and your baby.
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Explore "Medical Mums: Immunise For Two," a campaign dedicated to empowering parents with confidence in pregnancy vaccination. We feature incredible stories from health-based professional mums, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, scientists, and researchers. Drawing on their invaluable expertise and personal experiences, these mums highlight the peace of mind and vital protection that pregnancy vaccination provides for babies from the very start. Learn more about how you can protect your little one.
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The Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) is committed to supporting healthcare professionals and communities in promoting the importance of immunisation. We offer valuable resources and educational opportunities to help address vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake.
Complete the form below to request:
1. Immunisation Advocacy Presentation for Your Staff
Strengthen your clinical team with the knowledge and confidence to champion immunisation. The Immunisation Foundation of Australia offers a tailored 30-minute presentation designed for healthcare professionals. This session is delivered by
IFA founder and director Catherine Hughes AM. Drawing on her wealth of knowledge as an immunisation advocate and her personal experience with vaccine-preventable diseases, Catherine's presentation can cover:
Strategies for effectively addressing common vaccine concerns and hesitancy.
Communicating evidence-based information clearly and compassionately.
Utilising powerful personal stories to build trust and understanding.
This presentation is ideal for midwives, maternal and child health nurses, obstetricians, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers involved in maternal and infant care. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how this presentation can benefit your team.
2. "Immunise for Two" Hospital Resource Pack
Receive a comprehensive pack of resources designed to promote and educate about the benefits of maternal vaccination and broader immunisation. This pack includes:
Double-sided flyers about RSV and a poster set promoting RSV protection , including a "Key Facts for Providers" document specifically on RSV and an RSV signs & symptoms magnet.
"Whooping Cough Day" double-sided posters and Pregnancy Vaccination posters.
Community Story Posters featuring personal narratives on Pneumococcal, Pertussis, Influenza, HiB, and Measles.
A valuable resource for patients experiencing needle phobia, offering coping strategies and alternative approaches to improve access.
The "What about Autism" double-sided leaflet, effectively debunking myths about the unfounded link between vaccines and autism.
These resources are designed to be easily integrated into patient discussions, waiting rooms, and educational initiatives within maternity hospitals and clinics.
Thank you for your support
Your donations boost pro-vaccination initiatives, increase vaccine confidence, and support immunisation research. They help build Australia's largest immunisation network, distribute educational resources, advocate for better vaccine access, and provide guidance for vaccine-related concerns through trusted, evidence-based support.
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Using the #immunisefortwo hashtag, please feel free to share our poster, video, flyer or facts on social media. Share your stories on social media!
