The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released its first-ever official maternal vaccination schedule, marking a significant departure from federal guidance. The new directive recommends that pregnant individuals receive influenza, Covid-19, Tdap, and RSV vaccines, a move supported by 13 major medical societies including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This shift follows the federal government’s decision to drop previous vaccination recommendations for pregnant people under the leadership of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Why is ACOG issuing its own vaccine schedule?
ACOG moved to establish an independent schedule to address what its leadership describes as a lack of scientific alignment with current federal policy. According to Dr. Laura Riley, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine, the organization determined that federal recommendations no longer reflected the best available clinical evidence. ACOG previously aligned its toolkits with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but in early 2026, the organization withdrew from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) citing concerns regarding the committee’s scientific integrity.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that RSV vaccination during pregnancy is 68% effective at preventing hospitalizations in infants under three months of age.
How do maternal vaccines protect newborns?
Maternal immunizations provide critical passive immunity to infants who are too young to be vaccinated themselves. Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the AAP, notes that the window between birth and a child’s first round of vaccinations is a period of high vulnerability. By vaccinating the pregnant person, antibodies are transferred to the fetus, offering immediate protection against diseases like pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus during the infant’s most susceptible months of life.
What are the current trends in vaccine uptake?
While roughly 70% of pregnant patients in the U.S. currently receive Tdap and RSV vaccines, uptake for flu and Covid-19 shots has dropped significantly, according to Dr. Kevin Ault of Western Michigan University. This decline is compounded by persistent disparities in health outcomes between patients with private insurance versus those on public insurance. As social media misinformation grows, clinicians are finding that patients are increasingly skeptical of established science. Dr. Margot Savoy of the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that the new, accessible schedule is designed to help providers re-establish trust by facilitating clearer conversations during the ten or more prenatal visits a typical patient attends.
Comparison: Federal vs. Medical Society Guidance
| Vaccine | ACOG/Medical Societies | Federal Stance (HHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Recommended | Not necessary |
| Influenza | Recommended | Not recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ACOG leave the federal vaccine advisory committee?
ACOG withdrew from the ACIP in early 2026, citing concerns that recent leadership changes at HHS had undermined the committee’s scientific integrity and evidence-based approach to policy.
Are these new recommendations mandatory?
No, the schedule serves as an evidence-based resource for providers, patients, and pharmacists to guide clinical decisions, rather than a federal mandate.
How can I talk to my doctor about vaccine safety?
OB-GYNs are encouraged to use the frequent, recurring nature of prenatal checkups to address specific concerns. Clinicians recommend bringing questions about social media claims directly to your provider to review the underlying data.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ask your OB-GYN for the latest ACOG-endorsed vaccine schedule at your next visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on protecting your baby.
For more information on maternal health and immunization standards, subscribe to our weekly clinical newsletter or explore our archives on prenatal care.
