In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current vaccine guidance, disparities in vaccine uptake, strategies for effective patient counseling, and best practices for clinic preparedness, including staff education, vaccine stocking, and infection control policies. They also highlight trusted resources for providers and patients to support safe and effective vaccination during pregnancy.

Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.

Additional Resources:

· SMFM Resources

o SMFM Fellow Lecture Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season

o SMFM Podcast Preparing for Annual Respiratory Disease Season

o Infectious Disease Resources

§ SMFM COVID-19

§ SMFM RSV

§ SMFM Influenza

o SMFM Patient Education Resources

§ Vaccination During Pregnancy

· Government Agency Resources:

o For Clinicians

• CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel
• CDC Respiratory Disease Season Outlooks
• CDC "From Me, To You" Communications Effort (De Mí, Para Ti)
• CDC "Wild to Mild" Social Media Toolkit
• HHS "Risk Less, Do More" Campaign for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines for Pregnant People
• CDC Prenatal Care and Routinely Recommended Vaccinations
• CDC 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older (Full schedule with notes)
• CDC MMWR: Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccination Coverage Among Adults (November 2024)

· Peer Organization Resources:

o For Clinicians

• AAFP Immunization Resources
• ACNM Immunization Resources
• ACOG Immunization Resources
• AWHONN Immunization Resources
• NPWH Immunization Resources
• For Patients
• ACOG
• MotherToBaby FactSheets
• MotherToBaby Immunization and Pregnancy Education (En Español)
• Vaccinate Your Family
• Immunize.org