Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for all women who will be pregnant during flu season. In North America, peak flu season is usually November to March. Because the flu shot is made from killed (inactivated) influenza virus, it is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy. However, pregnant women should not use the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is made with live, weakened influenza virus.

Pregnancy can affect your immune system and also put extra stress on your heart and lungs. As a result, you may be at increased risk of not only getting the flu but of developing serious complications of the flu, including pneumonia. In addition, pregnant women with the flu are far more likely to require hospitalization for flu complications than women with the flu who are not pregnant.