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Influenza 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 persist for several weeks.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of complications from influenza. Pregnant woman are more likely to be hospitalized from complications of influenza than non-pregnant women of the same age. Pregnancy can change the immune system in the mother as well as affect her cardiovascular system (heart and lung function), increasing the risk for complications from influenza. Any pregnant woman who wishes to decrease her risk of developing influenza may be safely immunized.
Influenza vaccine is made from inactivated viruses (the viruses are killed). It is considered safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy. However, since miscarriages most often occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, experts have traditionally not given an immunization at this time to avoid coincidental association with miscarriage. It is highly recommended that pregnant women who have other medical problems that increase their risk for complications from influenza (i.e. diabetes, cardiac problems) receive an influenza immunization before the influenza season.
According to MotherRisk, there is no evidence that the influenza vaccine 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 influenza virus.
Who Should Not Receive an Influenza Immunization?
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).
Breastfeeding Mothers:
It is safe to get an influenza immunization if you are breastfeeding. An influenza immunization cannot cause influenza in either mother or baby.
The decision by a pregnant woman to be immunized with an influenza immunization should be an informed one and should be discussed with her health care provider.
For further information, please call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 474-1400 extension 2252.
Adapted from the Region of Waterloo Public Health
Source: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices/CDC
National Advisory Committee on Immunization/ Health Canada
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