Getting a flu jab during pregnancy is generally considered safe and is recommended by health authorities in the US and the UK. The flu vaccine can help protect both the mother and the baby from serious illness and hospitalisation. It is particularly important because pregnancy weakens the immune system, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia. Additionally, getting the flu during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. The flu vaccine does not contain any live viruses and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalisations. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
What You'll Learn
- Flu jab safety during pregnancy has been supported by a large body of scientific studies
- The flu vaccine does not contain any live flu viruses and cannot give you the flu
- The flu vaccine is safe to take while breastfeeding
- The flu jab helps protect your baby during their first few months of life
- The most common side effects from the flu jab are mild and include soreness, redness and/or swelling from the shot
Flu jab safety during pregnancy has been supported by a large body of scientific studies
The flu vaccine does not contain any live viruses and therefore cannot give you the flu. The most common side effects experienced by pregnant women are the same as for non-pregnant individuals and are generally mild, including soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot. These side effects typically last for 1-2 days.
Multiple studies have shown that the flu vaccine does not increase the risk of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. One study, which looked at data from three flu seasons, found no increased risk for spontaneous abortion after flu vaccination during pregnancy. Another study, which examined the 2010-2012 flu seasons, found an association between flu vaccination and miscarriage, but this was the only study to show this link and it had several limitations, including a small sample size.
The flu vaccine is particularly important for pregnant women as they are more likely to experience severe illness and complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. Pregnant women are also more likely to be hospitalized due to the flu. The vaccine helps to reduce these risks and can also protect the baby from the flu after birth, as antibodies are passed to the developing baby during pregnancy.
In addition to the flu vaccine, the whooping cough vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy. The COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women as well, as it has been shown to be safe and effective in numerous studies worldwide.
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The flu vaccine does not contain any live flu viruses and cannot give you the flu
The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women and will help protect them and their babies. It is recommended that pregnant women get a flu shot and not a nasal spray flu vaccine. The flu vaccine does not contain any live flu viruses and, therefore, cannot give you the flu. It is also safe to have the vaccine if you're breastfeeding.
The flu vaccine is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. Pregnant women are included in this category because they are more likely to get flu complications than women who are not pregnant and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Their immune system is weaker during pregnancy, and as the baby grows, they may be unable to breathe as deeply, increasing the risk of infections such as pneumonia.
Getting the flu during pregnancy can also cause premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. A common influenza sign, fever, has been associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Getting vaccinated while pregnant can also help protect a baby from influenza after birth, as antibodies are passed to the developing baby in the womb.
There is a large body of scientific studies that supports the safety of the flu vaccine in pregnant people and their babies. Multiple studies have shown that people who have received flu shots during pregnancy have not had a higher risk of miscarriage.
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The flu vaccine is safe to take while breastfeeding
Pregnant women are more likely to get flu complications than women who are not pregnant and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Having the flu vaccine means you are less likely to get the flu. The flu vaccine will help protect you and your baby during your pregnancy and can also protect your baby for the first few months of life. This is especially important for children younger than six months old, as they are too young to receive the flu vaccine themselves.
Getting the flu during pregnancy can also cause premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. The flu is a very common and highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is much more severe than the common cold and results in at least 2-3 days in bed. Catching the flu in pregnancy can lead to increased risks for both pregnant women and their babies. Flu complications lead to tens of thousands of hospital stays and an average of 600 deaths in the UK every year.
The flu vaccine is available between September and January or February every year, and it is recommended that pregnant women get it as early as possible during the season. The flu vaccine is normally available from September until January or February each year. Try to have the vaccine when it becomes first available so that you are protected in time for winter.
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The flu jab helps protect your baby during their first few months of life
Getting a flu jab during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your baby from the flu. The flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain a live version of the influenza virus. This makes it safe to administer during any trimester of pregnancy, and it can even be given alongside the pertussis vaccine.
The flu jab is particularly important for pregnant women as their immune systems are naturally weaker during this time, making them more susceptible to infections such as the flu. Influenza can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including an increased risk of complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and even hospitalisation.
By getting the flu jab, you not only protect yourself but also your baby, both during pregnancy and after birth. The antibodies that your body produces in response to the vaccine are passed on to your baby, offering them protection during their first few months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves. This protection is crucial as babies are at high risk of flu-related hospitalisation and other serious health complications.
Multiple studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe for both mother and baby and does not increase the risk of miscarriage or other adverse outcomes. In fact, research suggests that getting the flu during pregnancy can increase the risk of problems for the baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. Therefore, it is highly recommended that pregnant women get the flu jab to reduce these risks and protect their health and that of their baby.
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The most common side effects from the flu jab are mild and include soreness, redness and/or swelling from the shot
The flu jab is considered safe for pregnant women and their developing babies. It is recommended that pregnant women get a flu shot to protect themselves and their developing babies. The flu jab can also help protect the baby for the first few months of life.
If you are concerned about any side effects you may be experiencing, you can get in touch with a healthcare professional for advice and support.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, flu jabs are safe during pregnancy and can be administered at any stage of pregnancy. There is a large body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of the flu vaccine for pregnant people and their babies.
Flu can be harmful during pregnancy and increases the risk of complications for the baby. Pregnant women are more likely to get the flu as their immune system is weaker. Flu complications can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, septic shock, meningitis, and encephalitis.
Getting a flu jab during pregnancy helps protect both the pregnant person and the baby from flu. It can also help protect the baby for the first few months of life as antibodies are passed to the baby during pregnancy.
The most common side effects experienced by pregnant people are generally mild and include soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot. Other possible side effects are a slightly raised temperature, aching joints or muscles, and feeling generally unwell.