The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released its 2026 maternal immunization schedule to help clinicians protect pregnant, postpartum and lactating patients and their babies from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Pregnant patients and their health care providers have updated guidance on recommended vaccinations with the release of the 2026 Maternal Immunization Schedule from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
According to ACOG, the evidence-based schedule outlines recommended vaccines during pregnancy, postpartum and while breastfeeding to help protect both parents and infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The schedule, endorsed by 13 national medical and health organizations, is intended for use by obstetricians, gynecologists and other maternal health providers across the United States. It includes recommendations for routinely administered vaccines, immunizations based on individual health risks and vaccines that should be avoided during pregnancy.
What’s New in the 2026 Schedule
According to ACOG, the schedule continues to recommend several vaccines during pregnancy, including:
- Influenza: Recommended at any trimester, ideally before the start of flu season.
- COVID-19: Recommended for eligible patients during any trimester.
- Tdap: Recommended during every pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.
- Maternal RSV (Abrysvo): Recommended as a one-time dose during eligible pregnancies between 32 weeks and 36 weeks, 6 days of gestation during the seasonal administration window.
The schedule also outlines vaccines that may be recommended for certain patients based on age, medical conditions, risk factors or vaccination history, including hepatitis A and B, pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.
Live vaccines, such as MMR and varicella, remain contraindicated during pregnancy but may be administered postpartum when appropriate, according to ACOG.
Why It Matters for Families
Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the pregnant patient and newborn during the first months of life, when infants are especially vulnerable to serious illness.
According to ACOG, maternal immunization is an important part of routine prenatal care and can reduce the risk of complications from illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Parents with questions about recommended vaccines should speak with their obstetric provider to determine which immunizations are appropriate based on their pregnancy stage, health history and seasonal recommendations.
Click here to view the 2026 Maternal Immunization Schedule.
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