Flu Shot And Miscarriage
You may have heard of a link between the flu vaccine and miscarriage. A 2017 study on this topic suggested that miscarriage is more common in the 28 days following the flu vaccine among those who had received the same vaccination the previous year.
However, consider the studys limitations. It was performed on a small group of women and examined only two flu seasons. Among the 485 women studied, only 14 had been vaccinated 2 years in a row and miscarried.
A more recent study, which was conducted by many of the same researchers, looked at 1,236 women and 3 subsequent flu seasons. This follow-up study challenged the results of the prior study, as it showed no association between the flu shot and miscarriage.
Keep in mind that 80 percent of spontaneous miscarriages happen in the first trimester, oftentimes before a woman knows shes pregnant. No other studies before or after have corroborated the findings of the 2017 study.
Based on the most recent and comprehensive information, the CDC, ACOG, and other health experts continue to recommend getting the flu shot.
Make Sure Caregivers And Other Family Members Are Vaccinated Too
In addition to moms, all potential caregivers and siblings should be up on their vaccines. Before the C.D.C. started recommending the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy in 2011, the public health strategy for protecting unvaccinated infants from pertussis was by creating a cocoon of protection around the infant by ensuring all caregivers and household members were vaccinated. There hasnt been enough research to show a benefit to cocooning but that doesnt mean its a bad idea, said Dr. Edwards: I personally think that certainly its a good idea that adults get vaccinated for pertussis. At the least, she said, its reasonable for the grandparents and the father to be vaccinated.
Ensuring your family gets their annual flu shots is important too not only to keep themselves healthy but to help reduce flu circulation around the new baby.
Everyone 6 Months And Older Should Get The Flu Shot
The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. It can save lives by:
- protecting you, if you are exposed to the virus
- preventing you from getting very sick
- protecting people close to you:
- because you are less likely to spread the virus
- who are at higher risk of serious flu complications if they get the flu
The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
The flu vaccine is especially important for the following groups.
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Impact Of Flu During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to get complications due to changes in their heart and lung function. They are also more likely to be admitted to hospital and the Intensive Care Unit.
Getting flu in pregnancy may also lead to premature birth, lower birth weight and even stillbirth. There is evidence that the vaccine reduces the rate of stillbirth by over 50%.The flu vaccine will also help protect newborn baby during their first few months of life.
Myth: You Should Skip The Flu Shot So You Dont Get Sick From It
Skipping your flu shot while pregnant is not recommended for many reasons. Pregnant women have a weakened immune system, heart, and lungs and are more vulnerable to catching viruses like the flu. If youre pregnant and get the flu, your symptoms may be more serious and could require a hospital visit. If you are worried about getting sick from the shot, the most common side effects are generally mild and resemble cold-like symptoms such as a headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue.
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The Flu Shot And Pregnancy: Answers To Your Questions
While much of the worlds attention is currently focused on the new coronavirus , cold and flu season is also fast approaching. Fortunately, theres a vaccine that can help prevent the flu and its potential complications.
Pregnant? You may be wondering whether the flu shot is safe for you and your baby. Heres what the experts say about the flu shot and its safety, notes on which shot to get and where to get it, as well as the potential benefits and risks of vaccination.
of women. They also mention various clinical trials, observational studies, and other data that support a consistent safety record.
The CDC further explains that pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized with flu than women of reproductive age who are not pregnant.
Why is this exactly? Well, pregnancy may weaken your immune system. This can make you more susceptible to illnesses like the flu. Add to that the extra work your body is already doing, particularly your heart and lungs, and you can see how serious complications might occur and why protection is important.
- soreness or swelling at the injection site
- lightheadedness
egg allergy, tell your doctor about it. Some formulations of the shot include egg protein and can cause a severe allergic reaction in such cases.
Is The Flu Shot Safe For Pregnant Women
When we talk about the safety of medications for pregnant women, were actually considering two separate things: safety for the mom and safety for the baby. Many times, medications that women take routinely before or after pregnancy arent recommended during pregnancy because we just dont have enough scientific data to show that the medication is safe for the baby.
The flu vaccine is different. It has been given to millions of pregnant women over the years. As documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there is a significant amount of scientific evidence to show that the flu vaccine is safe for both mother and baby.
There is a significant amount of scientific evidence to show that the flu vaccine is safe for both mother and baby.
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Which Vaccines Should I Get If I Am Pregnant
Learn which vaccines are recommended, when to get them, and why they are important for you and your baby.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the specific vaccines you need are determined by your age, lifestyle, medical conditions, travel, and previous vaccinations.
If you are planning a pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about getting up to date on all your vaccines. Some vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, should be given a month or more before pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you need this or any other catch-up vaccine.
CDC recommends that pregnant women get two vaccines during every pregnancy: the inactivated flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine.
Flu vaccine
CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine if you are pregnant during flu season. While flu seasons vary in their timing, CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, if possible. Getting vaccinated later during flu season, though, can still be beneficial. Flu vaccines have been given to millions of pregnant women over the years, and scientific evidence shows that it is safe. Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your baby for several months after birth from flu-related complications.
Tdap vaccine
It is safe for women to receive most vaccines right after giving birth, even while breastfeeding. More information about the safety of vaccines during breastfeeding.
Getting The Flu Shot While Pregnant: Everything You Need To Know
OB/GYN-approved, getting the flu shot while pregnant is safe and even has added benefits for your developing baby. Still have questions? We have expert answers.
The early weeks of pregnancy can be a nerve-racking time full of unknownsbut exciting all the same. You’re already off to a great start by coming to us for a debriefing on one pretty controversial yet extremely important subject matters: Getting your flu shot while you’re pregnant.
Since the shot takes two weeks to kick in, getting vaccinated during early fallpreferably by the end of Octoberis a must if you want the most protection from the yearly breakout. We turned to Parents‘ expert Dr. Lisa Hollier, chief medical officer of OB/GYN at The Center for Children and Women and president of ACOG, to ease your mind about making the right decision to receive your flu shot while pregnant. Here are the answers to all the most common questions moms have come flu season.
Why should pregnant women get the flu shot?
The flu can also be harmful to a developing baby. A common flu symptom is a fever, which may be associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby, writes the CDC.
Are there alternatives to the flu shot during pregnancy?
The short answer is no. Although the live attenuated influenza vaccine aka the nasal spray flu vaccine is on the market, the CDC prohibits pregnant women and children younger than 2-years-old from using the vaccine.
Are there possible side effects?
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What Are The Benefits Of A Flu Shot During Pregnancy
The foremost benefit of getting the flu shot is that it protects you and your baby. The flu shot can help prevent you from getting the flu and lower your risk of developing issues, such as pneumonia, that may affect both you and your unborn child. In fact, the CDC reports it may reduce your risk of developing an acute respiratory infection by up to percent.
Other benefits:
- Lowers risk of hospitalization. The CDC also reports that the flu shot may lower your risk of hospitalization with flu-related complications by as much as
Where Should A Pregnant Person Get Vaccinated
There are many different options for pregnant people to receive a flu shot, including a health care providers office, at work, a pharmacy, some stores, or a supermarket. All these places give flu vaccines that are licensed and approved for use in the United States. If youve never had a problem when previously receiving a flu vaccine, then there is no reason you cant get a flu vaccine at work or a supermarket.
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Getting Your Flu Shot During Pregnancy
Getting the flu can cause serious problems when you are pregnant, and even a generally healthy mom can experience issues. Changes in immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make expectant mothers more likely to get severely ill from the flu. Rochester Regional Health OBGYN Amy Hennessy, MD says everyone should get the flu shot as soon as they can, and she encourages all her expectant patients to get the vaccine. In pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is weakened which can make her more susceptible to illness. The flu shot protects mothers and newbornswhich is increasingly important in these times.
Dr. Hennessy answers a few of the most common questions about getting your flu shot during pregnancy.
Reduces Your Risk Of Getting The Flu
A flu vaccine is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu and during pregnancy, avoiding getting sick is more important than ever. You may already be dealing with aches and pains, nausea, headaches, and extreme fatigue. The last thing you want to add to that is a viral infection!
But it’s not just your comfort at risk if you get the flu while pregnant. Pregnant people are among the highest risk groups for developing serious complications, including death, from the flu, so reducing your chance of infection may even save your life.
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What Is A Flu Shot
Influenza vaccination protects you against the seasonal flu, a contagious respiratory illness.
If you end up with the flu, you might experience symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, and a sore throat. The flu is never fun but it can be a lot more serious if you are very old, very young, have certain medical conditions, or are pregnant.
There are two main types of flu vaccine: an injection and a nasal spray. Making sure you get one of these each year is the best way to avoid becoming infected. Getting the shot annually is important because the virus changes and develops, so researchers update the vaccine composition.
In the United States, flu season begins around October and peaks between December and February, so you should schedule your vaccination as early as October 1.
Flu Shots For Two: Protect Yourself During Pregnancy And Your Baby After Birth
– The phrase two for one suggests a great deal: getting twice the benefit. Thats precisely what a flu shot can do for someone who is pregnant. One shot protects you from flu during and after your pregnancy it also protects your baby during the first few months of their life, when they are too young to get vaccinated. No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all pregnant people get a flu shot. Ideally, you should get vaccinated against flu by the end of October, but vaccination in November and later is still recommended, as flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.
One of the best gifts you can give yourself and your baby during pregnancy is an annual flu shot, Dr. Michael Jhung, a medical officer with CDCs Influenza Division, said. Flu is especially dangerous for pregnant women because changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make you more vulnerable to flu and its potentially severe complications.
Both CDCs Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women or those who might be pregnant or postpartum during flu season get a flu shot.
Additional information about the seriousness of flu and the benefits of flu vaccination, can be found on the CDC website or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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What Are The Risks Of Flu In Pregnancy
Youre more likely to get the flu when youre pregnant because your immune system is weaker. Your risk of developing complications from flu is also higher, which can make you very ill. Bronchitis , is a common complication that can develop into pneumonia.
Getting the flu during pregnancy can also cause premature birth, low birthweight and even stillbirth.
The flu vaccine will help protect you and your baby during your pregnancy. It can also protect your baby for the first few months of life.
Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
Vaccination against influenza during pregnancy is recommended for all women, especially during flu season . This is because flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Vaccination with an inactivated flu vaccine lowers the risk for complications from flu during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Other vaccines that may be recommended during pregnancy include:
- hepatitis B
Talk to your health care provider about vaccines that can protect you and your baby during pregnancy.
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Should Pregnant Women Get A Flu Shot
As flu season approaches, youve likely seen and heard a lot of encouragement to get your flu shot and for a very good reason. Getting vaccinated is one way you can help protect yourself, your family and those around you. Influenza vaccines are available at your doctors office, and some workplaces even provide them.
Amidst all the talk about the flu, one question I hear every year is from pregnant women wondering whether theyre supposed to get a flu shot. Some even assume they shouldnt get the flu shot because they are so used to their doctors and pharmacists telling them not to take certain medications while pregnant. To dispel any myths or misunderstandings about receiving the influenza vaccine while pregnant, read on.
Flu Shots And Miscarriage: Lets Clear Up Misunderstandings
With flu season in full swing, September is possibly the worst time to release a confusing study about the safety of flu shots for pregnant woman. But thats what happened, and now doctors across the country are running defense to protect pregnant women and their babies from the flu.
The study in question was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in Vaccine. The CDC promptly released a statement that the study does not quantify miscarriage risk and does not prove flu shots can cause miscarriage, even Vaccine Editor-in-Chief Gregory Poland, CRED, who is also director of vaccine research at the Mayo Clinic, was quoted in The New York Times saying he does not at all believe flu shots caused the miscarriages reported in the study.
Unfortunately, click-baiting media outlets and grassroots anti-vaccination advocates got wind of the study. Inflammatory headlines and misinformation added to the confusion about the study, leaving fearful pregnant women scrambling to decide whether to get vaccinated.
Lets make one thing clear: UT Southwestern Ob/Gyns and infectious disease experts recommend that all pregnant women get the flu shot. The benefits for moms and babies clearly outweigh the risks, no matter what you might have read online. Lets examine why we can confidently make this recommendation and what to do if youre on the fence about getting vaccinated for the flu.
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Which Vaccines Should I Not Get If I Am Pregnant
Some vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy, such as:
- Certain travel vaccines: yellow fever, typhoid fever, and Japanese encephalitisNote: these travel vaccines should generally not be given during pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you get any of these vaccines and then find out you are pregnant, talk to your doctor. Further doses of the vaccines, if needed, should be given after you have completed the pregnancy.
