Prior to the change, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) released a joint statement confirming that the vaccine was safe for those expecting a baby.

RANZCOG president Dr Vijay Roach welcomed the eligibility change, saying that pregnant women "should be considered a vulnerable group".

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"We recognise that these decisions are complex, which is why we have worked closely with the government, and we are pleased that they have responded to the medical advice," he said.

"While vaccination doesn't eliminate the risk, it reduces it considerably and we are confident in our advice that the Pfizer vaccination is safe for pregnant women and their babies."

Katie Haley of Batlow is currently 22 weeks pregnant and expecting her first child later this year.

As this is her first pregnancy, she said she is feeling "just a bit nervous in general", hesitant to come forward and get the vaccine.

"I think if this was my second or third of fourth pregnancy my mindset might be a little bit different, but I appreciate very much that they have put pregnant women in that priority category," she said.

"There's so much you take in as a pregnant woman, especially when it's your first time and [there's] a lot of information that comes from all over the place."

Mrs Haley said that the decision ultimately comes down to weighing up your individual risks and benefits.

"If I was in an area of greater risk, whether it's in the city or, you know, potentially needing to travel for work or something like that, that would also make me more likely to step forward," she said.

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