Should pregnant women get the flu shot? What research tells us
Research shows that the vaccine is safe for healthy pregnant women and their fetuses and protects a newborn for the first few months of life
Question: Should pregnant women get the flu shot?
The straight answer: yes
The facts: pregnant women are advised to stay clear of medications and vaccinations during their pregnancy. However, research findings show that the inactivated flu vaccine is beneficial to both mother and unborn baby, as it protects against infection during the first few months of life.
Despite the research in its favour, most women are still wary of the flu vaccine. Dr Alexander Kenneth Doo, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at The Women’s Clinic in Hong Kong, recommends it for every pregnant woman. Doo says: “Immunity is lowered during pregnancy and if infected, an expectant mother can be more severely affected than others, posing a risk to herself and the baby. There is also evidence that taking the vaccine can have a protective effect as the immunity is passed onto the baby.”
Flu is an infectious disease caused by various forms of flu virus. The most common strains in Hong Kong are the H1N1 and H3N2 variants of influenza A, and influenza B. While it occurs throughout the year, it’s more prevalent between January and March and July and August in Hong Kong. The virus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets and is characterised by fever, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and general tiredness.
According to the WHO, an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine is safe during pregnancy and there is no evidence showing that it causes abnormal foetal development even when administered during the first trimester.
