ACOG releases own maternal immunization schedule, breaking from federal recommendations

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) released its own version of a 2026 maternal immunization schedule, which breaks away from federal vaccine recommendations—the first time the society has done so—according to an announcement from the medical society.^1,2

Highlights feature several vaccines in the “Routinely Recommended During Pregnancy” category, including:

• Inactiveated or recombinant influenza vaccination, to be administered at any time of the year, at any gestational age.
• COVID-19 vaccination to be administered at any time of year, at any gestational age
• Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), to be administered at any time of the year, at 27–36 weeks of gestation
• Maternal RSV (Abrysvo), to be administered seasonally in first eligible pregnancy, at 32 weeks 0 days–36 weeks 6 days of gestation; in subsequent pregnancies, repeat vaccination not indicated and infants should receive a monoclonal antibody

ACOG differs from CDC

With the release of its recommendations, which ACOG describes as an “easily accessible resource for clinicians, public health agencies, and patients across the United States,” came endorsements by 13 medical societies and health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology (APAOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), among others.²

“Changing national recommendations coupled with rampant vaccine misinformation are resulting in confusion for both patients and health care professionals,” said ACOG President Camille A. Clare, MD, MPH, CPE, FACOG, in a statement. “It is incredibly important for the public to have access to reliable, evidence-based information on maternal immunizations from a trusted source. ACOG is proud to be that source.”¹

Earlier in the year, ACOG withdrew from the CDC advisory committee on vaccines because of changes made to the federal vaccine recommendations under the Trump administration and current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, according to The Associated Press.³

A key difference between ACOG’s new solitary recommendations and the federal ones concerns the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy, where the CDC states that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant women and children.

Other vaccines highlighted in ACOG immunization schedule

ACOG recommends speaking with patients about certain vaccines based on comorbidities or disease risk factors. These include vaccines for²:

• Pneumococcal
• Meningococcal
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Additionally, HPV, MMR, and chickenpox are not recommended during pregnancy under the ACOG guidance, as these are recommended prior to pregnancy or after birth, times that are ideal to catch up.

Reaction from medical society leaders

“Maternal immunization is one of the most effective ways we can protect both pregnant patients and babies during some of the most vulnerable stages of life,” said Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, chief medical officer, AAFP. “Vaccines recommended during pregnancy help safeguard pregnant patients from serious illness while also providing critical early protection to newborns before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves. Family physicians care for patients across generations, which puts us in a unique position to counsel families, build trust, and ensure that pregnant patients have access to evidence-based preventive care. Supporting maternal immunization means healthier pregnancies, healthier infants, and stronger communities.”¹

President of the AAP, Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, also highlighted the importance of maternal vaccination for infant protection, stating, “Babies are among the most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Their immune systems are still developing, and in those first months of life, they rely on us—the adults around them—to help keep them safe. Maternal vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect not only the mother but her newborn as well.”

The AAP also released differing recommendations from the CDC this year, highlighting a lack of evidence-based guidance.³

References:

1. ACOG releases 2026 maternal immunization schedule. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Published June 10, 2026. Accessed June 16, 2026. https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2026/06/acog-releases-2026-maternal-immunization-schedule
2. 2026 Maternal Immunization Schedule. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Published June 10, 2026. Accessed June 16, 2026. https://www.acog.org/clinical-information/maternal-immunization-schedule
3. Ungar L. OB-GYN group makes vaccine recommendations for the first time. The Associated Press. Published June 10, 2026. Accessed June 16, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-acog-obstetricians-gynecologists-obgyn-556197bbb09fc03fa8a2f67506b1fea4