Pregnant woman protected by a flu vaccine shield.

Flu Shots During Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is it safe to get a flu shot while pregnant? Discover the facts about the safety and benefits of flu vaccines during pregnancy."

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change and heightened awareness about protecting your health and your developing baby. One common concern that arises, particularly during flu season, is whether it's safe and effective to receive a flu shot while pregnant. The good news is that leading health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend routine flu vaccination for women who are pregnant or who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

Despite these recommendations, many pregnant women and their healthcare providers have questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness. It’s essential to have access to reliable information to make informed decisions about your health during this critical time. Prior to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, there was a lack of enough prospective data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of IIV (Inactivated Influenza Vaccine) among pregnant women, which raised concerns.

This article aims to address these concerns by providing a comprehensive overview of the safety and benefits of seasonal flu shots during pregnancy. We'll explore the latest research, expert recommendations, and practical tips to help you navigate flu season with confidence. By understanding the facts, you can protect yourself and give your baby the best start in life.

Why are Flu Shots Recommended During Pregnancy?

Pregnant woman protected by a flu vaccine shield.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can pose significant risks during pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu compared to non-pregnant women. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, hospitalization, and even death.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for women who are pregnant or who will deliver during the influenza season. The vaccination benefits and recommendations have been in place since the 1990s.

Increased Risk of Complications: Pregnancy causes changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs, making pregnant women more susceptible to severe illness from the flu.
Protection for Your Baby: When you get a flu shot during pregnancy, you're not only protecting yourself but also providing passive immunity to your baby. This protection can last for several months after birth, when your baby is too young to be vaccinated.
Reduced Risk of Preterm Labor and Delivery: Some studies suggest that flu vaccination during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm labor and delivery.

Getting a flu shot during pregnancy offers a dual benefit: protecting you from the flu and providing crucial protection to your newborn during their first months of life.

Making an Informed Decision

Deciding whether to get a flu shot during pregnancy is a personal choice. By staying informed about the latest research and consulting with your healthcare provider, you can make a confident decision that supports a healthy pregnancy and a bright future for your child. Prioritize your health and well-being, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your baby throughout the flu season.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.088, Alternate LINK

Title: Safety And Immunogenicity Of Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines In Pregnant Women

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Vaccine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Flor M. Munoz, Lisa A. Jackson, Geeta K. Swamy, Kathryn M. Edwards, Sharon E. Frey, Ina Stephens, Kevin Ault, Patricia Winokur, Carey R. Petrie, Mark Wolff, Shital M. Patel, Wendy A Keitel

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is it recommended that I get a flu shot when pregnant?

It is recommended because pregnancy changes the immune system, heart, and lungs, making pregnant women more susceptible to severe illness from the flu. These complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, hospitalization, and even death. Furthermore, the flu shot provides passive immunity to the baby, protecting them for several months after birth when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves. There is some evidence suggesting that flu vaccination during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preterm labor and delivery. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended routine vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for pregnant women since the 1990s.

What is the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV), and is it safe for pregnant women?

The inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) is a flu shot made from an inactivated (killed) virus. It is deemed safe for pregnant women because it cannot cause the flu. IIV is significant because it allows pregnant women to gain immunity to the influenza virus without the risk of contracting the illness. This is crucial, as contracting the flu during pregnancy can lead to severe complications. Prior to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, there was a lack of enough prospective data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of IIV among pregnant women, which raised concerns. Now, IIV is recommended by leading health organizations.

What is the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recommending flu shots during pregnancy, and why should I care?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a leading national public health institute in the United States. Its recommendations regarding flu shots during pregnancy are significant because they are based on extensive research and data analysis. If the CDC recommends routine flu vaccination, it means they have deemed it safe and effective for pregnant women and their babies. This provides assurance to both pregnant women and healthcare providers. It's important to note that the CDC also provides guidance on various other health-related topics, ensuring the well-being of the population.

Who is the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and why are their recommendations important regarding flu shots for pregnant women?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) plays a critical role in recommending vaccine use, including the flu shot, for various populations. Its recommendations are significant because they are based on scientific evidence and expert opinion. If the ACIP recommends routine vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for pregnant women, it means they have determined that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to note that these recommendations have been in place since the 1990s, further supporting their validity.

What is 'passive immunity,' and how does it relate to getting a flu shot during pregnancy?

Passive immunity is the transfer of antibodies from one person to another, providing temporary protection against a specific disease. In the context of flu shots during pregnancy, when a pregnant woman receives a flu shot, her body produces antibodies that are then passed on to her baby. This is significant because it protects the baby during the first few months of life, when they are too young to receive their own flu shot. The passive immunity provided by the mother helps to reduce the risk of the baby contracting the flu during this vulnerable period.