A Bendigo Health spokesperson confirmed the findings, which were released the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on Wednesday.

"ATAGI has ruled the Pfizer vaccine is safe for pregnant women," the spokesperson said.

"You are also safe to get vaccinated if considering getting pregnant or breastfeeding."

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) said pregnant women have been advised that the Pfizer vaccine is safe to have with "no evidence suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or teratogenicity".

"There is a possibility of vertical transmission of the COVID-19 virus and an increased incidence of third trimester premature birth, probably as a result of medical intervention for maternal illness," the RANZCOG statement read.

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"Different technologies have been adopted to develop the six major vaccines that have undergone clinical trials. These include the use of novel mRNA vaccines, viral vectors and inactivated viral particles. They do not contain live virus and they cannot transmit COVID-19.

"They all aim to evoke an immune response against coronavirus.

"It is uncertain as to the extent to which COVID-19 vaccines protect against acquiring the disease, or limit transmission, but initial data has demonstrated reduction in the length and severity of disease if a person were to become infected.

"Based on known data from other similar vaccines, it is unlikely that COVID-19 vaccines pose a risk to a pregnant woman or her fetus."

RANZCOG, and ATAGI made joint recommendations for women who are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

"All health care workers with direct patient contact, and other workers in areas of increased exposure to COVID-19 be allocated to lower risk duties that have reduced risk of exposure to patients with, or suspected to have, COVID-19 infection, working from home or leave of absence," the statement read.

"Where this is not possible to avoid exposure, pregnant workers who are in an at-risk work environment should be offered vaccination.

"All personnel should observe strict hygiene protocols and have full access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)."

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The RANZCOG and ATAGI said there was no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women or on the effects of mRNA vaccines on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion.

"mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant," the statement said.

The health groups also said there was "no evidence that women who become pregnant after receiving the vaccine are at increased risk of teratogenicity, miscarriage or maternal illness".

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