There are fears midwives are advising pregnant women not to get vaccinated because they don't understand how important it is.

LISTEN: Dr Nikki Turner - Vaccinations & midwives

Complaints have been made in cases where they've tried to dissuade women from having vaccines.

Some midwives and pregnancy class teachers have been reportedly handing out anti-immunisation material.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre has described some of the advice mothers receive as "jaw-dropping".

Director Dr Nikki Turner says vaccinations for pregnant women are vital, just as they are for young children.

"I think we've done not so well in the anti-natal arena about people understanding how the vaccines work and how useful they are to prevent disease."

Turner believes healthcare professionals should refer pregnant women to credible sources of information.

"When people are not aware or don't have a lot of knowledge about vaccinations then sometimes they will just tell parents to go on the internet."