Fall in North Carolina brings crisp mornings, pumpkin-filled porches, and the excitement of the holiday season. Unfortunately, it also signals the arrival of flu season. Between November and March, influenza cases peak, putting expectant mothers and their families at higher risk of illness.
If you are pregnant during flu season, you may be wondering if the flu shot is safe and whether it is really necessary. The short answer is yes. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommend that all pregnant women receive the flu vaccine, regardless of trimester.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about flu shots and pregnancy, including safety, timing, benefits for both you and your baby, and what to do if you get sick despite vaccination.
Is the Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, the flu shot is safe at any point in pregnancy. The vaccine is made from an inactivated (non-live) form of the influenza virus, which means it cannot give you the flu. This makes it a safe and effective option for protecting both mother and baby.
You should avoid the FluMist nasal spray vaccine, which contains a weakened live virus. While safe for the general population, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Why Pregnant Women Are at Higher Risk
Pregnancy changes your immune system, heart, and lungs. These natural shifts help support your growing baby, but they also make you more vulnerable to complications from respiratory illnesses like the flu.
If a pregnant woman contracts influenza, she is more likely to experience:
- Severe illness requiring hospitalization
- Pneumonia or bronchitis
- Dehydration from fever or vomiting
- Preterm labor or delivery complications
In some cases, the flu can also affect fetal development. A high fever in early pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects. Protecting yourself with the flu shot helps lower these risks.
Benefits for Your Baby
One of the most powerful reasons to get the flu vaccine while pregnant is that it protects your baby even after birth.
- Placental antibody transfer: The antibodies your body makes after vaccination cross the placenta, giving your baby passive immunity before birth.
- Breastfeeding benefits: If you breastfeed, you pass additional antibodies through your milk, extending protection in the first months of life.
- Bridging the gap: Babies cannot receive their own flu vaccine until six months old, which leaves them vulnerable during their earliest months. Maternal vaccination fills that gap.
Research shows that babies whose mothers received the flu vaccine during pregnancy are less likely to be hospitalized with influenza in their first year.
When Is the Best Time to Get the Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October. For pregnant women, the timing is flexible — you can safely get the shot in any trimester.
- Early fall (September–October): Best for getting protection before peak flu season.
- Later in pregnancy: Still beneficial, even if you are close to your due date. Your baby will still receive antibodies.
If you miss the early fall window, it is not too late. Flu season often continues into spring, and vaccination remains valuable throughout.
What If You Still Get the Flu While Pregnant?
The flu shot is highly effective at preventing illness, but it is not perfect. Some women may still contract the flu, though symptoms are often milder and complications less severe if vaccinated.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, or body aches, contact your OB/GYN right away. Prompt treatment is especially important during pregnancy.
Your provider may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Antivirals work best within 48 hours of symptom onset and can reduce the severity and duration of illness.
Important: Do not try to self-treat with over-the-counter medications before checking with your OB/GYN. Many cold and flu remedies contain ingredients that may not be safe during pregnancy.
Additional Ways to Protect Yourself During Flu Season
In addition to getting the flu shot, there are simple steps you can take to lower your risk of illness:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace.
- Prioritize rest, hydration, and nutrition to keep your immune system strong.
- Encourage household members and caregivers to get vaccinated.
When your partner, children, and coworkers are also vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier around you and your baby.
Common Concerns About the Flu Shot and Pregnancy
Will the flu shot make me sick?
No. The inactivated flu vaccine does not cause influenza. Some women may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches, but these usually resolve within a day or two.
Can I get the flu shot if I have allergies?
Most women with mild egg allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, talk with your provider about your options.
Is it safe if I am breastfeeding?
Yes. The flu vaccine is safe while breastfeeding and provides an added layer of protection for your baby through antibody transfer.
Why Flu Shots Matter More in a Post-Pandemic World
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers have emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent overlapping respiratory illnesses. Contracting both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can be especially dangerous during pregnancy.
Getting the flu shot is one way to reduce strain on your immune system and prevent severe outcomes. Some providers may also recommend staying current on COVID-19 boosters alongside your flu shot for maximum protection.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot in Raleigh
You can request your flu vaccine at your next prenatal appointment with Raleigh OB/GYN for convenience. Many pharmacies and clinics also offer flu shots, but receiving it through your OB/GYN ensures it is documented in your prenatal records and any questions can be addressed on the spot.
The earlier in the season you get vaccinated, the more protected you and your baby will be.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is an exciting journey, and protecting your health is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. The flu shot is a safe and effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness while providing your newborn with early immunity.
This fall, talk with your Raleigh OB/GYN provider about getting vaccinated and encourage those around you to do the same. Together, these steps create a healthy, supportive environment for both you and your growing family.
