Abstract
Vaccinations during pregnancy are an unborn child's first immunisation event. They are a safe, effective way of protecting hapū māmā (pregnant people) and pēpi (babies) against whooping cough (pertussis), influenza, and COVID-19 which are more likely to be severe during pregnancy and in early life. Despite being recommended for many years, fewer mothers receive pertussis (48% in 2020) and influenza (44% in 2020) immunisation in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) than in Australia and the United States. Importantly, although the risk of these diseases is highest among Māori, Pacific Peoples, and people living in areas of high deprivation, these groups are less likely to be immunised during pregnancy. Thus, to protect pēpi and hapū māmā from severe disease, urgent steps are needed to boost maternal immunisation particularly for Māori, Pacific Peoples, and those living in marginalised communities. Such steps will complement the recently announced health target of 95% of children receiving all recommended immunisations by 24 months of age.