Flu Vaccinations and Pregnancy

This article from MotherToBaby sums up the current research about flu vaccine safety during pregnancy.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a common respiratory virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, headache, congestion, sore throat, and fatigue. Flu season runs from October through May; however, most cases occur between December and February.

The flu can cause serious complications in people who are pregnant, such as preterm delivery and even death. Because of this, the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended as it can lower the chances of getting the flu. For those who are pregnant the shot is preferable to nasal spracy. This is because the nasal spray contains a live version of the virus.

The vaccine is safe for pregnant women and those who desire to become pregnant. There are no links between the flu vaccine and infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or behavior or learning issues in babies.

The injected seasonal influenza vaccine is commonly known as the “flu shot.” The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine, which means it does not contain live flu virus. The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. Major medical groups recommend that women who are pregnant (whether in their first, second, or third trimester) get the flu shot.

SOURCE: MotherToBaby