A flu vaccine is the best protection against flu for pregnant persons – Mshale

A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus. Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/AP A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus. Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/AP

National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 4-8) reminds us that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot, including pregnant people. It is best to get vaccinated before the flu season starts, but you can get a flu shot at any time during the season and at any time during pregnancy.

Pregnant people are at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu, being hospitalized, or dying from flu-related complications. If a pregnant person gets sick with the flu, it can also cause serious problems with their pregnancy, such as preterm labor and birth.

Getting a flu shot is a safe way to protect both a pregnant person and their developing baby from serious illness and complications of flu. Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant people for over 50 years, and have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant people or their babies.

If you are pregnant getting a flu shot reduces your risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%. Your flu shot also helps to protect your baby from flu illness and flu-related hospitalizations for the first several months after their birth. Antibodies you develop in response to the vaccine are passed on to your developing baby during pregnancy.

The best way to keep you and your baby healthy this flu season is to get your flu shot. For more information visit Pregnant? Get a Flu Shot.

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A flu vaccine is the best protection against flu for pregnant persons - Mshale