Flu and Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases your risk of getting very sick from the flu. If you’re pregnant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that you take the following 3 steps to protect yourself and your baby against the flu:

• Take time to get vaccinated.
• Take everyday preventive actions.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your healthcare professional recommends them.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during flu season, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot will protect you from flu-related complications and will help protect your newborn from the flu.

There are 2 types of flu vaccine. If you're pregnant, you can only get the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine given with a needle, usually in the arm. The other type of flu vaccine, the nasal-spray vaccine, is not approved for use during pregnancy. 

Getting the flu shot is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The flu shot has been safely given during pregnancy for years and is recommended in any trimester.

Protect yourself and your baby. Talk to your healthcare professional about getting your seasonal flu shot today.