Pregnancy and Flu Vaccines

A lot of my expecting patients have been wondering about the flu season. Even though the majority of people infected with the flu virus will have uncomplicated illnesses (symptons that go away without treatment), more severe diseases causing superimposed pneumonia, preterm labor, sepsis and even death have been reported. Pregnant women are among the group of people with increased risk of developing these more severe complications of the flu.

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Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend the influenza (flu) vaccination for all women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season. If you fall into this category, this year, the recommendation is to receive both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 vaccines.

It has also been shown that babies born to mothers who had a flu shot in pregnancy get sick with flu less often. So when you get the flu shot as an expecting mother, you are not only protecting yourself and your pregnancy, but also your newborn up to 6 months of age.

Both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shots can be received by pregnant women at any time during pregnancy. The important thing to remember is to choose the injection form of the vaccine (TIV or trivalent inactivated vaccine) and avoid the nasal spray form of the vaccine (LAIV or live attenuated influenza vaccine).

There are some concerns about the flu vaccines containing thimerasol, a mercury preservative. The truth is that the exposure to mercury from these vaccines is minimal and there is no evidence that it is harmful. So when the option of obtaining the thimerasol-free version is not available, it should not prevent you from getting vaccinated.

The most common side effects after flu shots are mild. You might get sore, red and swollen where the shot was given. Some people might have headaches, muscle aches, fever, nausea or feel tired. These symptoms are usually self-limited (require no treatment) and should not last more than 1 to 2 days.

Both the seasonal flu vaccine and 2009 H1N1 vaccine are not recommended for people with severe egg allergy. So if that is something you have, make sure to talk to your doctor about other ways to stay healthy during the flu season.

Besides getting the flu shots, don’t forget the importance of behavioral prevention, for example: hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and remaining home from work or school while infected with the flu. • About Dr. Chan

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3. Flu Update
4. I’m pregnant. Should I get the flu shot?
5. Health and Wellness Tip: Preventing Viral Illness