Is the flu jab safe during pregnancy?
Not only is the flu jab safe to have while you’re pregnant, it’s recommended that you get it.
If you’re pregnant, it’s recommended by the NHS that you get the flu jab, ideally as soon as you can. The jab will protect you and you your baby during the first few months of their life, as they’re not eligible for the vaccine until 2 years-old.
You can have it at any stage of pregnancy, right from the day you find out until your last weeks.
The flu jab is free for pregnant women in England and Wales. It’s available from your GP surgery, or from your local community pharmacy.
Even if you’ve not had the flu before, and think that your immune system can handle it, you should make sure you have the vaccine. Your immune system is weaker during pregnancy so you’re more likely to catch the virus, which may have more serious repercussions during pregnancy.
You can find out when is best to get the flu jab in pregnancy on the NHS website.
If you catch the flu whilst pregnant, there’s an increased risk of complications, such as bronchitis, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Bronchitis can develop into pneumonia. Complications of flu during pregnancy can lead to a premature birth, low birthweight, and may even result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
It’s also safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccine.
The flu vaccine can’t make you ill as it contains a dead version of the virus. However, some people experience side effects, such as:
Side effects only last a few days. The jab is totally safe for your unborn child.
You can read more about flu side effects here.
It’s best for the health of you and your baby to have the jab as early in the season as possible. Flu jabs are usually available from September to March each year. As it takes around two weeks for the flu jab to be fully effective, this means you’re protected by the time flu viruses are circulating. You can have the vaccine at any point during your pregnancy, from the first weeks until your due date, so don’t worry if you don’t know you’re pregnant until later in the season.
You need to have the flu jab each year as strains of flu change year to year. If you had the jab last year, you’ll have to have it again to ensure you and your baby are protected.