Vaccine safety during pregnancy
All vaccines must be rigorously assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and meet high standards before they can be registered and approved for use in Australia. The TGA also assess the quality of every batch of vaccine before it can be supplied in Australia.
Studies of women who receive recommended vaccinations in pregnancy have found no evidence that vaccines harm their developing babies.
Vaccines create immunity without causing disease. Disease can lead to serious complications, which is why vaccination is a safer way to develop immunity.
Side effects
Common side effects from the vaccinations include mild pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine is given. Most reactions are mild and last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.
Any medicine, including vaccines, can have potentially serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction. However, these reactions are extremely rare.
Infection after vaccination
Vaccines are not 100% effective. This means that even if you are vaccinated against diseases, there is a chance you can still get infected. Vaccination reduces your chance of getting a disease and may also reduce the seriousness of illness if you become unwell.