Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Risks and Benefits

The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. In most healthy adults, flu symptoms are typically mild and resolve within about a week. However, during pregnancy, the body's heightened inflammatory response can increase the risk of complications. To reduce these risks and provide passive immunity to babies, healthcare professionals recommend that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine during flu season. Deciding whether to get vaccinated during pregnancy can be a challenging task, as it involves weighing all of the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, you have choices regarding the type of flu vaccine and the timing of administration. This episode reviews the research and considerations for making an informed decision about the flu vaccine during pregnancy.

This episode is up to date for the 2025-26 flu season.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/fluvaccine/

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