Emergency Medical Services Questions Infectious Disease Specialist

Is it safe to have a flu shot while pregnant?

I am 2 months pregnant and want to get a flu shot. Is it safe to have a flu shot while pregnant?

7 Answers

EmergencyMedicalServicesInfectiousDiseaseSpecialist
Yes , it is absolutely safe and recommended to get a flu shot during pregnancy, including at 2 months (first trimester).

Here is Why It's Safe and Important:
The inactivated flu vaccine (the standard flu shot) is safe during any trimester of pregnancy.

Getting vaccinated helps protect both you and your baby:

Pregnant people are at higher risk for severe flu illness and complications like pneumonia.

The antibodies you develop will also pass to your baby, helping protect them in their first few months of life when they can’t be vaccinated yet.


Be sure to get the injectable flu shot, not the nasal spray (which is a live vaccine and not recommended during pregnancy).

Common side effects are mild and may include arm soreness, fatigue, or low-grade fever, but serious side effects are extremely rare.


Studies show that babies born to people who were vaccinated during pregnancy have lower rates of flu-related hospitalization in the first 6 months of life.

I hope this was helpful! I fully support you getting the flu shot, and you're doing a great job protecting both your health and your baby’s. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.
So yes, flu shots in pregnancy are fine. And in any trimester. And probably recommended to get a regular shot not necessarily the nasal vaccine.

Yes,
There are scientific studies that show the flu shot is safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
Your body is compromised and immune system weakened, so the vaccine helps you create antibodies against the illness. Also, you pass those antibodies to your baby.
Yes, it is safe to get flu shot in pregnancy.
Other recommended vaccines include: COVID, RSV and TDAP (at the recommended times).
All the best.
Yes, and in any trimester, with the exception of a nasal flu vaccine. Here is more information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/qa_vacpregnant.htm
Yes
Yes, it is safe to have a flu shot while pregnant. Dr. Randall Fisher