Influenza, which is commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The flu is transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing. You can catch the flu from contact with an infected person or by touching something that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on. Although the flu spreads year-round, it is most common during “flu season” which is from October through February.

During pregnancy there is a higher risk of the flu causing serious illness in both the mom and baby. In pregnancy, there is a greater chance that catching the flu might lead someone to become so sick that they need a breathing tube, become hospitalized or even die from the flu. Catching the flu during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm and stillbirth.

The flu can also cause serious disease in newborns, whose immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. Newborns younger than six months old have the highest risk of hospitalization and death from flu infections. 1 These babies are too young to be vaccinated against the flu themselves.

Yes! The flu vaccine has undergone extensive safety studies showing that the vaccine is safe and effecting during any trimester of pregnancy. Multiple studies have shown that people who receive flu shots during pregnancy do not have an increased likelihood of miscarriage, adverse fetal outcomes, or other pregnancy complications.

The influenza virus changes from year to year which is why last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s influenza virus. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive the flu shot each year.

Yes. Pregnant patients should receive the flu shot because it is made from inactive or “killed” virus, meaning it is no longer infectious. It is not possible for you or your growing baby to catch the flu from this flu shot. 
The nasal spray vaccine is made from live virus particles and is not recommended during pregnancy. That said, after you give birth, it is safe to receive either the flu shot or the nasal spray, even if you are breastfeeding.

The side effects from the flu vaccine are generally mild and resolve within a few days. Side effects include soreness and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue.  Side effects are similar in pregnancy.

Most clinics carry the flu vaccine during flu season if not year-round, and you can receive the vaccine during one of your routine visits. You can also get the flu vaccine at your local pharmacy.