Protect Two from the Flu
The flu vaccine
protects you and your baby
It's safe to get anytime during pregnancy, and
it keeps protecting your baby up to 6 months after birth. We've collected some
of the most common questions women ask, along with answers backed by some of
the latest medical research. Use this to start a conversation with your doctor,
then get the flu vaccine. Learn more at www.TexasFlu.org
Benefits
Q: I got a flu vaccine last year. Why do I need another
one?
A: Flu viruses are constantly changing, so each year the flu vaccine is updated
to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will be most
likely to cause disease that season. Also, immunity from the vaccine can wane
from one season to the next. Previous flu vaccines will not protect you from
getting the flu in the current or next flu season.
Q:
If the flu season is over, do I still need the vaccine?
A: Yes. Although the flu season peaks between October and April, the flu is
year-round. Because being pregnant puts you at high risk for the flu, you
should get vaccinated even in the summer.
Q: How many flu vaccines would I have to take? Is it just one?
A: You only need one flu vaccine every year.
Safety
Q: Why do I need to have a flu vaccine?
A: Getting the flu can cause serious problems when you are pregnant.
Pregnant women who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalization, even
death, than non-pregnant women. Severe illness in the pregnant mother can also
be dangerous to her fetus because it increases the chance for serious problems
such as premature labor and delivery.
Q: How does the flu vaccine protect me and my baby against the flu?
A: When you get your flu vaccine, the vaccine encourages your body to start to
make antibodies that help protect you against the flu. Antibodies can be passed
on to your unborn baby, and help protect the baby for up to 6 months after he
or she is born. This is important since babies cannot get the flu vaccine until
they are 6 months old.
It takes about two weeks for your body to make antibodies after getting the flu
vaccine. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated as soon as
you can.
Q: Is it safe to get the flu vaccine while I am pregnant? Can it hurt my
baby?
A: Flu vaccines have been given for more than 50 years, and they have a very
good safety track record. The vaccines are made the same way each year, and
their safety is closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Millions of flu vaccines have been given to pregnant women over many years.
They have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their unborn
infants.
Q:
When is it safe to get the flu vaccine while pregnant? First trimester, second
trimester or last trimester?
A: You can receive the flu vaccine at any time, during any trimester, while you
are pregnant.
Q: Where can I get the flu vaccine?
A: Talk to your health care provider about getting the flu vaccine. Flu
vaccines are easy to find. They are offered in various locations such as your
health care provider's office, local pharmacies or health clinics.
Q: Can I get sick from the flu vaccine?
A: You cannot get sick from the flu vaccine. After getting your flu vaccine,
you may experience some mild side effects. The most common side effects include
soreness, tenderness, redness and/or swelling where the vaccine was given.
Sometimes you may experience headache, muscle aches, low grade fever, nausea,
or feel tired.
Q: Will I be able to breastfeed my baby after I give birth if I get the flu
vaccine? Is it safe to do so?
A: Yes. You can breastfeed your baby after you give birth if you have received
the flu vaccine. In fact, antibodies may also be passed in breast milk. These
antibodies will help protect your baby from the flu.
Don't Wait
Q: What happens to me and my baby if I get the flu while
pregnant?
A: You and the baby could become seriously ill. For example, having a fever
from the flu, or any other infection early in pregnancy, increases the chance
of having a baby with birth defects or other problems. Severe illness in the
mother can also increase the chances of premature labor and delivery.
Q: Do I need the flu vaccine if I am healthy?
A: Even if you are generally healthy, changes in immune, heart, and lung
functions during pregnancy make you more likely to get seriously ill from the
flu.
Q: What if I wait to get the flu vaccine only if someone I know gets sick?
A: It is recommended to get the flu vaccine every season.
If you wait until people around you are sick from the flu, it will probably be
too late to protect yourself. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to
provide full protection, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the more likely it
is that you will be fully protected once the flu begins to circulate in your
community.
Q:
What if I am afraid of shots? Can I get the flu mist/nasal spray instead?
A: The very minor pain of a flu vaccine in shot form is nothing compared to the
suffering that can be caused by the flu.
The flu vaccine comes in two forms: an injectible form (the flu shot) and a
nasal spray. The nasal spray (or LAIV) is not recommended for
pregnant women.
Other
Q: Are there other ways to prevent the flu besides the
vaccine?
A: Getting a flu vaccine when you are pregnant is the best way to protect both
you and your baby from the flu. There are some preventive measures, such as
hand-washing and keeping away from persons who are infected with the flu. Ask
your health care provider about other healthy behaviors such as diet, rest and
exercise. Although these do not prevent the flu, they are considered healthy
behaviors.
Q:
What do I do if I get the flu while I'm pregnant?
A: If you are pregnant and you suspect you have the flu, consult your health
care provider right away.
Q: Does anyone else need to get the flu vaccine, besides me, in my family?
A: It is recommended that everyone receive the flu vaccine every year, unless
otherwise advised by their health care provider.