Is It Safe To Get a Flu Shot When You’re Pregnant?

You’re at high risk of complications from the flu during pregnancy. Yet only about 50% of pregnant women get a flu shot each year.

“If you’re pregnant, we recommend that you get a flu shot as soon it’s available, whether you’re in the first, second or third trimester,” says Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD.

Are flu shots risky during pregnancy?

Flu vaccines have been studied extensively in pregnancy and are considered safe, with benefits outweighing the risks. Many large scientific studies not only support their safety in pregnancy, but they also show better outcomes for you and your fetus, including a lower risk of stillbirth.

Past studies that raised concerns about vaccines were later found to be inaccurate or poorly conducted. “Larger, long-term studies have since shown that flu shots are safe in pregnancy,” explains Dr. Goje.

The flu vaccine given during pregnancy doesn’t use a live virus. And if you’re concerned about thimerosal, a preservative used in the flu vaccine, a thimerosal-free vaccine is available.

The flu shot won't give you the flu, Dr. Goje reports. Sometimes, though, your body has a short-lived immune response to the vaccine.

“Whatever happens in that short time is far preferable to getting full-blown flu in any trimester of pregnancy,” she stresses.

What are the risks of not getting a flu shot?

The risks of getting the flu itself are real for you and your fetus.

Dr. Goje explains that pregnancy brings changes to your respiratory system, heart, fluid volume and immune system. These make you much more likely to become severely ill — or die — from the flu.

You can also wind up with respiratory distress if you’re pregnant and catch the flu.

Multiple studies in the U.S. and worldwide show that vaccination during pregnancy lowers the risk of severe flu complications. The CDC and other medical groups highlight these findings.

In addition, if you are pregnant and live with a chronic disease — for example, sickle cell disease, diabetes or cardiovascular disease — or are immunocompromised, you’re at a higher risk for severe infection and possible hospitalization if you contract the flu. Getting vaccinated against it is especially important.

How does vaccination help your pregnancy?

Research shows that getting vaccinated and avoiding the flu leads to healthier pregnancies.

“If you get the flu vaccine, you’re less likely to give birth to a baby that has birth defects or other problems,” says Dr. Goje.

Another big plus: The flu vaccine doesn’t only give the fetus immune protection in the uterus — for the first six months after birth, your baby is also protected.

“This is important because babies can’t be vaccinated until they are 6 months old; their immune systems are not developed enough,” explains Dr. Goje.

“The flu vaccine gives protection during and after pregnancy because you are less likely to get the flu when your baby is tiny.”

What if you’re pregnant and exposed to the flu?

If you’re pregnant — whether you’ve had a flu shot or not — seek care right away if you develop any of these signs of flu:

• Fever
• Aches
• Chills
• Tiredness

“Call your obstetrician or primary doctor, or go to urgent care,” says Dr. Goje. “We are very liberal in treating pregnant women with antiviral medication at the first sign of flu. If the provider doesn’t offer, or hesitates to give you, an antiviral, be persistent — call your Ob.”

Dr. Goje stresses that other family members should also get flu shots, and recommends that you should avoid contact with those who are ill and wash your hands frequently.

“If you’re pregnant, getting the flu shot early can provide extra protection for both you and your fetus.”

“Understandably, there have been worries about vaccines in the past. But the evidence we have now shows strong protection during pregnancy,” says Dr. Goje. “I encourage you to bring up any vaccine-related concerns with your healthcare provider. They’ll answer your questions so you can feel confident in your decision.”