- Vaccination rates for influenza and pertussis continue to decline, as infections and hospitalisations for these preventable respiratory infections rise.1,2,3,4,5
- Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report data indicate good overall uptake of the new maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine following its addition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) early this year, but uptake differs significantly between jurisdictions.1
- Experts are calling for national maternal immunisation targets to lift uptake and broader reforms that will enable better monitoring, accountability, and equity in access for protection for mothers and babies.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 8 November: Australian experts are calling for national maternal immunisation targets to help lift uptake and create momentum for broader reforms.
Maternal vaccination rates for influenza and pertussis have been falling in Australia since 2021.2 Recent data show fewer than half of pregnant women receive both these recommended maternal vaccines, with coverage varying depending on jurisdiction and health setting.3 Coverage remains lowest among younger mothers, First Nations women, and those from lower socioeconomic groups.4
As uptake declines, vaccine-preventable infections are rising. Pertussis notifications surged to 56,919 in 2024, more than seven times the five-year average, including two infant deaths. Infants under six months had one of the highest notification rate at 347 per 100,000.5
RSV infection also continues to place pressure on families and hospitals. In 2024, there were 175,918 notifications, up from 128,123 in 2023.5 Infection rates were highest among infants under 12 months, at 8,715 per 100,000.5
The new maternal RSV vaccine offers opportunities to enhance immunisation uptake
However, with the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine on the National Immunisation Program in early 2025 to complement the long-acting monoclonal antibody available through state and territory programs for use post-birth, there are some 'green shoots'.
According to the Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report published 10 October 2025, 132,053 Australian women aged 15 to 54 years had received the maternal RSV vaccine between 3 February and 5 October 2025.1 Uptake was highest among women aged 25 to 39 years, accounting for around 113,882 doses, with uptake in New South Wales (35,656), Victoria (31,336) and Queensland (20,624).1
Targets needed to overcome system fragmentation and gaps in data
Expert contributors to the new Maternal Immunisation in Australia whitepaper released publicly to mark Whooping Cough Day (8 November), say maternal immunisation targets will provide a unifying focus for governments, health services, and practitioners. They say targets create the impetus to lift maternal vaccine uptake nationally and drive accountability amongst all stakeholders to deliver better outcomes for mothers and babies.
Australia currently has national benchmarks for childhood immunisation, which have driven high and consistent coverage across the country. However, no equivalent target exists for maternal vaccination, despite its critical role in protecting newborns during their most vulnerable first months of life. Experts say this gap highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to maternal immunisation.
One of the challenges impeding better uptake of maternal immunisation in Australia, as outlined in the whitepaper, is the fragmentation of maternal vaccination delivery, which is spread across general practice, obstetrics, midwifery, pharmacy and public health. Of the more than 1,000 maternity models of care delivered through 251 services nationwide, only 29% provide continuity of carer through pregnancy.2
Persistent gaps between antenatal care records and the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) continue to limit visibility of vaccine uptake in pregnancy, even with mandatory pregnancy status reporting, which commenced in March 2025. These system gaps contribute to missed vaccination opportunities, especially when women move between public and private care.
Call for stronger national coordination and workforce support
In response, the whitepaper is calling for investment in system integration and workforce support, ensuring GPs, obstetricians, midwives, immunisation nurses and pharmacists have the training, time and resources to discuss vaccination with pregnant women confidently and deliver it consistently. The importance of clear, evidence-based communication is highlighted as critical to instil confidence and drive uptake, aligning with the priorities identified in the National Immunisation Strategy 2025-2030.
Attributable quotes from contributors to the Maternal Immunisation in Australia whitepaper:
"National maternal immunisation targets would send a clear message that protecting mothers and babies is a shared responsibility," said Catherine Hughes, Founder of the Immunisation Foundation Australia. "With new vaccines available, now is the time for national leadership and collaboration to lift coverage from good to great."
"Setting national maternal immunisation targets is about more than numbers," said Professor Chris Blyth, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Physician and Head of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases. "Targets give governments and health services a benchmark for accountability and will drive better data collection to inform the direction needed to improve uptake and equity."
"GPs are central to maternal immunisation uptake," said Dr Leanne Jones, General Practitioner. "Limited visibility between antenatal systems and the Australian Immunisation Register makes it harder to track who has been vaccinated. Better data connection is essential to deliver consistent coverage and avoid missed opportunities."
"Clinicians want to be confident they are giving mums-to-be the right information and are able to respond to any questions or concerns they might have about vaccination," said Associate Professor Angela Brown, Clinical Midwife and Clinical Nurse (acute care). "Providing training and resources across professions ensures every expectant mother receives clear, consistent, evidence-based advice and feels safe and supported in their decision-making."
"Nurses and midwives are often the most trusted point of contact for expectant mothers," said Joanne Hickman, immunisation nurse and former Nurse Unit Manager of Monash Immunisation. "Making vaccination a routine part of antenatal care means we can empower clinicians with the training, time and resources to deliver it confidently."
"Pharmacists are uniquely placed to help make maternal vaccination easier and more accessible for women," said Anna Theophilos, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Vaccination Ambassador. "With pharmacies now an established part of Australia's immunisation network, there's a real opportunity to strengthen access and consistency across the country. National maternal immunisation targets would help bring all parts of the system together from general practice to community pharmacy to protect more mothers and babies."
