diff --git a/debezium-connector-postgres/src/main/java/io/debezium/connector/postgresql/connection/PostgresReplicationConnection.java b/debezium-connector-postgres/src/main/java/io/debezium/connector/postgresql/connection/PostgresReplicationConnection.java
index 87ba85db6..65c8db0f5 100644
--- a/debezium-connector-postgres/src/main/java/io/debezium/connector/postgresql/connection/PostgresReplicationConnection.java
+++ b/debezium-connector-postgres/src/main/java/io/debezium/connector/postgresql/connection/PostgresReplicationConnection.java
@@ -253,10 +253,12 @@ public ReplicationStream startStreaming(Long offset) throws SQLException, Interr
 
     @Override
     public void initConnection() throws SQLException, InterruptedException {
+        // See https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/logical-replication-quick-setup.html
+        // For pgoutput specifically, the publication must be created before the slot.
+        initPublication();
         if (!hasInitedSlot) {
             initReplicationSlot();
         }
-        initPublication();
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -278,6 +280,10 @@ public Optional<SlotCreationResult> createReplicationSlot() throws SQLException
             tempPart = "TEMPORARY";
         }
 
+        // See https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/logical-replication-quick-setup.html
+        // For pgoutput specifically, the publication must be created prior to the slot.
+        initPublication();
+
         try (Statement stmt = pgConnection().createStatement()) {
             String createCommand = String.format(
                     "CREATE_REPLICATION_SLOT %s %s LOGICAL %s",