Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?

Yes, it’s safe to get a flu shot during pregnancy. If you have questions about getting the flu shot while you’re pregnant, talk with a member of your healthcare team at one of your prenatal visits.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that people who are pregnant during flu season get a flu shot no matter what trimester they’re in.

A flu shot during pregnancy can help:

• Prevent the flu and other health concerns during pregnancy. Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs make it more likely for people who are pregnant to get seriously ill from the flu. Getting a flu shot can help prevent the flu during pregnancy. The flu shot also lowers the chances of being hospitalized with the flu during pregnancy.
• Prevent fetal health conditions due to the flu. Having the flu early in pregnancy may raise the risk of health problems in an unborn baby, called a fetus. The flu also can raise the risk of having a baby who has health conditions present at birth.
• Protect a baby after birth. Infants are at a high risk of developing serious symptoms if they get the flu. But babies can’t get a flu vaccine until they’re 6 months old. The antibodies that develop from a flu shot during pregnancy pass through the placenta. They also are present in breast milk. These antibodies help protect babies from the flu after they are born.

When you get vaccinated, ask for the flu shot, not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from a virus that is not active. That makes it safe during any stage of pregnancy. The nasal spray is a live vaccine that isn’t recommended during pregnancy.