- Influenza (the flu) is a serious, acute respiratory disease that is caused by a virus.
- Symptoms include dry cough, high fever, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.
- Illness usually lasts from 2-7 days but fatigue and cough can last for several weeks.
- Pregnancy can increase the risk of complications from the flu.
 Pregnant woman are more likely to be hospitalized from complications of the flu than non-pregnant women of the same age. - Any pregnant woman who wishes to decrease her risk of getting the flu may be safely immunized.
- The flu shot is made from the flu viruses that have been killed.
- It is considered safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy.
- It is highly recommended that pregnant women who have other medical problems that increase their risk for complications from the flu (i.e. diabetes, cardiac problems) receive a flu shot before the flu season (October to mid-November).
- According to MotherRisk, there is no evidence that the flu shot is harmful to the fetus in any stages of pregnancy.
- Because maternal influenza immunity can cross the placenta, vaccinating pregnant women may provide newborns with some immunity to the flu virus.
- The decision by a pregnant woman to get the flu shot should be an informed one and should be discussed with her health care provider.
Who should NOT receive a flu shot?
- People who are acutely ill with a fever at the time of the immunization, have had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine, have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or severe Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome (ORS).
What about breastfeeding mothers?:
- It is safe to get a flu shot if you are breastfeeding. A flu shot cannot cause the flu in either mother or baby.
- Flu shots are not recommended for babies under the age of 6 months – although it is not harmful, it does not work in babies this young and they can get the flu.
- Babies over 6 months of age should also be vaccinated, even if being breastfed by a mother who has been immunized.
- Children 6-23 months are at particular risk of complications from the flu.
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