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Should You Get a Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

September 30, 2016
If you’ve been to your doctor’s office lately, you’ve probably had a discussion about getting a flu shot. That’s because flu season is coming: Influenza peaks in the United States between the months of January and February, but can start as early as October and run through May. Since the vaccine needs about two weeks to become fully effective, it should be given as soon as the vaccine is available to your healthcare provider. Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the flu shot.

What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue and headaches. It spreads when a person with the flu (who may not even know they have the flu at first) sneezes, coughs, or talks and their germs end up in your mouth and nose. It also spreads when someone touches an object or surface that has flu germs and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes.

Why are women who are expecting a baby urged to get a flu shot?
  • Pregnant women who contract the flu are five times more likely to suffer from a severe illness than women who are not pregnant.
  • Pregnant women are undergoing changes in the body that affect their heart, lungs and immune system and make them more likely to suffer from critical illness or complications, including hospitalization.
  • Also, pregnant women who contract the flu can have a greater chance of premature labor and delivery.
Your best protection against getting the flu is to get a flu shot.

The flu shot does not give you the flu. It is made up of inactivated (killed) vaccine, which means that it can’t cause the flu. You can safely get the flu shot at any stage of your pregnancy.

Pass on your protection
For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges pregnant women to get a flu vaccine:
  • The flu vaccine protects pregnant women. Infants six months of age or younger should not get the flu vaccine; they’re too young. However:
  • The flu vaccine also protects your baby while in utero and even during the first few months of his or her life. The immunity you receive from getting a flu shot will be passed onto your baby, giving you peace of mind during flu season.
  • You can also receive a flu shot after your baby is born and while you are breastfeeding.
Too late . . . I'm sick!
If you believe you’ve contracted the flu, it’s very important that you see your doctor immediately, because he or she may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication that will make your symptoms milder. Keep in mind, though, that these medications work best if they are administered within the first two days of getting sick.