Can You Get a Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Sep 12, 2023
Image for article Can You Get a Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

A flu shot 1 can protect you and your baby from infection during pregnancy. The flu shot is safe for pregnant people, and you can have it done at a prenatal checkup, a local pharmacy, or a flu shot clinic in your area. 

Flu infections in pregnant people can cause complications like preterm delivery . Getting vaccinated against the flu can also help keep your baby healthy in their first six months of life. Babies can’t get the flu vaccine themselves during that time, so you can give them important protection while they’re still growing.

Flu shots are recommended during pregnancy, but nasal spray vaccines contain live virus, so experts say to stick with the shot. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to vaccines in the past, or have an egg allergy, check with your provider before you get the flu shot.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. "Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)"Oct 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582948/.


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Abby McCoy
Updated on Sep 12, 2023

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Can You Get a Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Sep 12, 2023
Image for article Can You Get a Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

A flu shot 1 can protect you and your baby from infection during pregnancy. The flu shot is safe for pregnant people, and you can have it done at a prenatal checkup, a local pharmacy, or a flu shot clinic in your area. 

Flu infections in pregnant people can cause complications like preterm delivery . Getting vaccinated against the flu can also help keep your baby healthy in their first six months of life. Babies can’t get the flu vaccine themselves during that time, so you can give them important protection while they’re still growing.

Flu shots are recommended during pregnancy, but nasal spray vaccines contain live virus, so experts say to stick with the shot. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to vaccines in the past, or have an egg allergy, check with your provider before you get the flu shot.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)"Oct 1, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582948/.


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