The Benefits of Getting Your Flu Shot

Flu vaccination helps to prevent millions of flu-related illnesses every year. According to the CDC, during 2018-2019, flu vaccination prevented, “an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 3,500 influenza-associated deaths.” Decisions regarding your health are twice as important when you are pregnant. It sometimes seems like there are conflicting ideas about every medication, vaccination, birthing method out there. With flu season upon us, coupled with our efforts in battling the COVID-19 virus, the age old question presents itself again. Should I get the flu shot? You say to yourself, “But I have a friend who gets the flu shot every year, and he’s never sick.”

Should pregnant women receive a flu vaccination?

Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women due to changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs. In addition, studies have shown that vaccinating a pregnant woman also can protect a baby after birth from the flu. Since the mother passes antibodies on to her developing baby that will protect against flu for the first several months after birth until baby can receive his/her first vaccines. CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot during any trimester of their pregnancy to protect themselves and their newborn babies from flu.

Is it safe?

Yes. Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant women with a high safety record. CDC continues to gather additional data on this topic.

Can pregnant women with egg allergies get vaccinated?

While most with a severe, life-threatening reaction to egg allergy or other protein should abstain from the flu vaccine, there is a safe form of flu vaccine to receive with an allergy to eggs.