As cold weather approaches, the last thing you want is to get sick with flu—especially when you are expecting. That’s why it’s important to take action to protect yourself and your baby this fall and winter.

So, what’s your best line of defense to reduce your risk of flu-related illness and complications during pregnancy, while at the same time protecting your baby from flu for the first few months after they’re born?

Getting a flu shot is the first and most important way to protect yourself and your baby from flu and any potential complications.

We’ve partnered with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to share what you need to know about flu and how to protect yourself and your little ones this flu season. We understand that decisions about you and your baby’s health are complex and personal. Our goal is to empower you to make the best and most informed decisions for your family.

Why It’s Important To Prevent Flu During Pregnancy

While anyone can get the flu, some people are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, including pregnant people.

Flu is more likely to cause illness that results in hospitalization in pregnant people than in similarly aged non-pregnant people. Babies younger than six months, who are too young to be vaccinated themselves, are at higher risk from flu too.

Bottom line, after birth you and your baby are at higher risk of severe symptoms if you get flu. A flu shot helps protect you and your baby during pregnancy and after birth.

Are Flu Shots Safe For Pregnant People?

Protecting you and your developing baby is priority number one.

Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant people for more than 50 years and have an excellent safety record. CDC and other medical groups and researchers have conducted many studies to support these findings and they continue to monitor flu shot safety during pregnancy throughout each flu season alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Benefits of Getting A Flu Shot During Pregnancy (Or While Breastfeeding)

Decreases Flu-Related Illnesses

According to a 2018 study that looked at data over a six year period, getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant person’s risk of getting sick with flu by up to 50%, and of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%.

Passes Antibodies To Your Baby

Flu vaccination triggers your body to create protective antibodies—proteins produced by the body to fight off flu illness—that are shared with your developing baby while you are carrying them. That way your child is born with antibodies that will protect them from flu for the first few months of their life when they are too young to be vaccinated. One study published by JAMA Pediatrics in 2023 found that getting a flu shot during pregnancy reduced the risk of flu illness in infants younger than six months by one-third.

Breastfeeding can also add an extra layer of flu protection for babies since antibodies in breast milk are passed to your baby while nursing.

The Truth About Flu And Vaccination

Flu Shots Are Effective

A flu shot prevents millions of flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%. 

You Still Need A Flu Shot If You’re Healthy

It’s still a good idea to get a flu shot, even if you are generally healthy.

The best and safest way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and other people around you from the flu is to get a flu shot every year. 

Flu Can Be Serious

Flu can cause serious illness and potentially serious complications—especially among pregnant people, young children, older people, and those with certain chronic health conditions.

Serious complications from flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions. In some cases, flu can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Flu Shots Do Not Cause Flu

A common misconception is that getting a flu shot gives you flu. This is false. Flu shots cannot cause flu illness because they are made with inactive viruses or a protein from the flu virus.

Some people may experience some side effects such as soreness, low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches. Typically, these symptoms are mild and short-lived.

When To Get A Flu Shot During Pregnancy

A flu shot can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. CDC recommends getting a flu shot in September or October— ideally by the end of October.

Note: Pregnant people should get a flu shot and not the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Preparing For Flu Season

Taking proactive steps to prevent flu illness is essential—especially if you’re pregnant. A flu shot offers protection for you and your baby during and after pregnancy. This gives you the peace of mind to truly soak in those first few months of motherhood, knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect your little one.

Still have questions or concerns? Talk to your doctor. They can help you decide on the best course of action for you and your family.