Joint statement between RANZCOG and ATAGI about COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian Technical Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommend 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.