What You Need to Know
- It’s safe for pregnant women to have a flu shot. Talk to a doctor, nurse or clinic staff about getting vaccinated against the flu.
- In pregnant women, changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make them more prone to severe illness from flu.
- Flu also may be harmful for a pregnant woman’s developing baby. Fever – a common flu symptom – may be associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby.
- The COVID vaccine is recommended as safe and efficient for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant. In addition, the FDA and CDC recently approved an RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy that passes protection to the baby. That vaccine is expected to be available soon.
More Information
Protect Against Respiratory Illness
Flu and Pregnancy
Vaccinating Pregnant Women Protects Moms and Babies