Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety (cont.)

The flu shot is the best protection against the flu

Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. When given during pregnancy, the flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. The flu shot is safe to get at any time while you are pregnant, during any trimester. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.)

The flu shot is safe for pregnant women

Flu shots are a safe way to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from serious illness and complications of flu, like pneumonia. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for pregnant women to get the flu shot.

Early treatment is important for pregnant women

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu.

Pregnant women who get a fever should treat it with a fever-reducing medicine containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and contact their doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy and influenza vaccine safety

Influenza (flu) vaccine safety studies are reporting good news for pregnant women. This research was presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in October 2011.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy_flu_shot_side_effects_and_safety/article.htm