Healthy pregnant women have higher influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations and medical visits than healthy non-pregnant women. For this reason, the flu vaccine is recommended for all healthy pregnant and breastfeeding women including those in the high-risk category regardless of stage of pregnancy.
The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy as well as breastfeeding mothers. Ongoing research has not identified concern related to serious reactions following immunization in pregnant women.
Since infants from 0-6 months of age cannot receive the influenza vaccine, it is important that all household contacts of newborns be immunized including breastfeeding mothers.
If you have any questions speak with your doctor for more information about getting the flu shot during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
