Getting the flu shot when you’re pregnant
Recent research found that women who got the flu shot while they were pregnant reduced their infants’ risk of getting the flu. This is especially important because babies under 6 months cannot receive the flu vaccine even though they are at the greatest risk of flu complications.
While most vaccines are off limits for expectant mothers, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu shot, at any stage of pregnancy. A 2008 CDC report advises that the flu vaccine is safe for both mother and baby.
Pregnant women should not get the FluMist nasal spray. FluMist is made with live flu virus which can be passed along to an unborn baby. Mothers-to-be should receive only flu shots with an inactivated virus.
For women who are concerned about mercury exposure in the vaccine, the CDC’s immunization committee says, “The benefits of influenza vaccination for all recommended groups, including pregnant women and young children, outweigh concerns on the basis of a theoretical risk from thimerosal exposure through vaccination.” Women who are aren’t convinced can request a “thimerosal-free” vaccine during pregnancy.
Together with their doctors, women or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can decide if it’s safer to get the flu vaccine rather than risk contracting the disease and passing it on to the baby.
Read more: Should I get the flu shot during pregnancy?