ACOG has introduced a maternal immunization schedule that diverges from CDC guidance, aiming to combat misinformation and provide clear recommendations for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals. This page answers common questions readers ask about the changes, their rationale, and what they can expect next in policy and practice.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released its 2026 maternal immunization schedule, endorsing vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and Tdap during pregnancy, with additional vaccines for certain risk groups. The shift comes as policy changes and misinformation push professional societies to provide a clear, trusted guidance path for care during pregnancy and after birth.
Clinicians are using direct, evidence-based conversations, patient-friendly materials, and shared decision-making to counter hesitancy. They emphasize safety data, real-world outcomes, and the alignment (or divergence) with CDC guidance to help patients make informed choices in the context of individual risk factors.
Public health messaging is evolving to reconcile differences between professional society recommendations and CDC guidance. The goal is to present a unified, accurate message that reduces confusion, supports clinicians, and maintains trust in vaccination programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Yes. By clarifying which vaccines are recommended for specific risk groups, and by improving access and education, uptake among high-risk populations could improve. However, lingering misinformation and access barriers must be addressed to ensure higher vaccination rates where risk is greatest.
The schedule endorses influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and Tdap for pregnant individuals. Additional vaccines may be recommended for certain risk groups, and postpartum/breastfeeding vaccination details are provided to protect mothers and infants during the broader postpartum period.
The 2026 schedule reflects shifts in policy and legal debates that influence how guidance is shaped and communicated. Professional societies position themselves as trusted sources to counter misinformation and provide clear recommendations for clinicians and patients alike.
A prominent OB-GYN group announced a set of vaccine recommendations on Wednesday that differs from what the U.S. government advises.