Categories: Pregnancy Advice

The Flu Vaccine & Pregnancy

bloodpregnancybloodpregnancy

Less than 50% of pregnant American women follow federal health recommendations to get vaccinated for the flu. There is a lot of misinformation out there about vaccines in general, and the fact is that many women are just worried about how the flu vaccine might affect their baby.

A great number of organisations in the know strongly recommend the flu shot for pregnant women. This includes the British National Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many others.

The experts agree – not only is it safe to get the flu jab – it could save your baby’s life.

Here are 8 facts you should know about getting the flu vaccine.

1. The vaccine doesn’t contain any live viruses, so it can’t cause flu. Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and you may feel a bit sore at the injection site.

2. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy.

3. Flu vaccines have not been shown to cause harm or carry any risks to pregnant women or their babies.

4. Pregnant women have a higher risk of for serious complications from influenza than non-pregnant women of reproductive age. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis and a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

5. The Influenza vaccine will protect pregnant women and their unborn baby, before AND after birth.

6. Breastfeeding is fully compatible with receiving the flu vaccine.

7. Preventing the flu in mothers can reduce the chance that the infant will get the flu. This is especially important for infants younger than 6 months old – since they are too young to be vaccinated.

8. You’ll need a flu shot even if you’ve had one in previous years because different strains of flu come around every year.

Your doctor is, as always, in the best position to address any concerns you may have about protecting yourself against the flu, so have the conversation if you have any concerns about being immunized.

Cristina

Share
Published by
Cristina

Recent Posts

David Toborowsky Admits His Age Factor In Cute Baby Post

David Toborowsky and Annie Suwan welcomed their baby girl, Minthirarad on March 11, 2025. However,…

5 hours ago

Deon Derrico Notifies On Meet-And-Greet Opportunity

Deon Derrico, the Doubling Down With The Derricos dad hasn't been very active on social…

6 hours ago

Amanda Halterman Shares Ancient Photos Of Her Biological Dad

Amanda Halterman from 1000-Lb Sisters comes from a complex family, but the Slaton siblings all…

7 hours ago

Baby Number Five! B&B Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s Joyful Announcement

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, the actress renowned for her portrayal of Steffy Forrester on "The Bold…

11 hours ago

The Bold And The Beautiful Spoilers: Sheila Is Thrilled To Have Luna As A Granddaughter

Perhaps the most powerful move that The Bold and The Beautiful Luna Nozawa (Lisa Yamada)…

12 hours ago

The Young And The Restless Spoilers: Billy Wants Phyllis – Sally Shocked!

The Young and the Restless spoilers document that Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is relieved that…

12 hours ago