Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy
What is Influenza?
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease that causes fever, cough muscle aches, and pains. Other common symptoms are headache, chills, tiredness, loss of appetite, sore throat, and runny nose.
Why should pregnant people be offered flu vaccine?
All pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy, should receive flu vaccine during each pregnancy because of the increased risk of poor outcome for both the pregnant person and the baby should the pregnant person get the disease. There is evidence that vaccination in pregnancy decreases risk of stillbirth and protects newborns from influenza and influenza-related hospitalization, and evidence that infants born during the influenza season to recipients of influenza vaccine are less likely to be premature, small for gestational age, or of low birth weight.
Is flu vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The vaccine is safe for the pregnant person and for the fetus.
The most common side effects are injection site pain redness or swelling. Other less common side effects are fever, chills, and headache.
When should pregnant people receive the flu vaccine?
All pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy, should receive flu vaccine during each pregnancy.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Contact your local public health nurse or health-care provider about receiving the flu vaccine in pregnancy.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse:
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555.