If
you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious
illness from the flu. A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their
unborn babies, and even the baby after birth.
Protect Yourself & Your Baby from Whooping Cough
Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious and can cause
serious illness―especially in babies too young to be fully
vaccinated. If you have not been previously vaccinated with Tdap
(the whooping cough booster shot), talk with your doctor about
getting one dose of Tdap, preferably during the third trimester or
late second trimester – or immediately after delivery before
leaving the hospital or birthing center with your newborn. Learn more
about vaccine protection for pertussis.
If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against
serious illnesses caused by the flu.
The flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women
than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system,
heart and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to
severe illness from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even
death. A pregnant woman with the flu also has a greater chance of
serious problems for her unborn baby, including miscarriage or
preterm birth.
A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn
babies, and even the baby after birth.
Watch a short
video that explains why.
The Flu Shot is the Best Protection against Flu
Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in
protecting against flu. When given during pregnancy, the flu shot
has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6
months old) from flu. The flu shot is safe to get at any time while
you are pregnant, during any trimester. (The nasal spray vaccine
should not be given to women who are pregnant.) Learn more about
the flu vaccine.
The Flu
Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women
Flu shots are a safe way to protect pregnant women and their
unborn children from serious illness and complications of flu, like
pneumonia. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant
women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm
to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for
pregnant women to get the flu shot.
Other Preventive Actions
In addition to getting the flu shot, pregnant women should take
additional everyday preventive
actions.
Early Treatment is Important for Pregnant Women
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right
away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine
that treats the flu.
Pregnant women who get a fever should treat it with a
fever-reducing medicine containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®)
and contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Watch "Protect Yourself, Protect Your
Baby." See CDC-TV or YouTube. [VIDEO – 3:23 minutes]
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
If you have any of these signs, call 911 right away:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever that is not responding to Tylenol® (or store brand
equivalent)
- Decreased or no movement of your baby
More Information
CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting
people from health threats to have a more secure nation. A US
federal agency, CDC helps make the healthy choice the easy choice
by putting science and prevention into action. CDC works to help
people live longer, healthier and more productive lives.