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Patient Information for During Pregnancy

Did you know that the flu can be more severe in pregnant women than for women who are not pregnant?

  • Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu, which could result in hospitalization.
  • The flu may also be harmful for a pregnant woman’s developing baby.
  • A common flu symptom is fever, which may be associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby.

The flu shot has been shown to protect pregnant women from flu illness. Additionally a flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to lower risk of flu illness and flu-related hospitalizations in their infants for the first several months of life. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend flu shots for all women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season, as it has been shown to help protect both the mother and the baby for several months from the flu.

Every day actions you can take to prevent the flu include:

  • Covering your cough
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Proper hand washing
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth—after you have touched objects that could possibly be contaminated
  • Clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces—at home, school or work, especially when someone is ill
  • Manage your stress
  • Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids

If you do get sick with flu symptoms, call your doctor immediately, as early treatment is important!

Is it safe to get a flu vaccination during pregnancy?

Yes! The flu shot is not only safe, it could help to reduce pregnancy problems that can arise from having the flu.

  • Millions of flu vaccines have been given for decades, including to pregnant women, with a good safety record.
  • Multiple studies have shown that women who receive the flu shot during pregnancy do not have an increased risk for miscarriage.

While a recent study found an increased risk of miscarriage in the 28 days after vaccination for women vaccinated early in pregnancy with a specific flu vaccine two years in a row, the study has been criticized for including a very small sample size.

  • This study does not measure the overall risk of miscarriage and does not prove that flu vaccine was the cause of the miscarriage.
  • Earlier studies have not found a link between flu vaccination and miscarriage.
  • The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the American Academy on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have not changed their recommendations and all continue to recommend flu vaccination for pregnant women.