Is the flu shot safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The flu shot has been administered to millions of women and has not shown to be harmful to pregnant women or their babies. In fact, because a woman’s immune system is weakened during pregnancy, contracting the flu can be more dangerous for her than for the average person. Flu symptoms may be more severe in a pregnant woman and can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as early labor and delivery.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (the virus is not living) and a powerful protection against the flu. However, the flu vaccine nasal spray contains live flu viruses and is not approved for pregnant women.
For more information on a safe pregnancy, schedule an appointment with an East Jefferson General Hospital OB/GYN through HealthFinder at 504.456.5000 or go to www.ejgh.org.
