Pregnancy

Are Flu Shots & Other Vaccines Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings a long list of questions about what is safe and what isn’t — and few topics generate more concern than vaccines. Expectant mothers want to protect their baby from every possible risk, and it’s natural to wonder whether flu shots, COVID vaccines, and other vaccinations are safe during pregnancy. The good news is that the leading medical organizations in the country have studied this question extensively, and clear, evidence-based guidelines exist to help patients and their providers make informed decisions.

It is important to note that this article is provided for general information only and should not be considered specific medical advice. Vaccinations are a personal decision, and every pregnancy is unique. Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Wayne County will help you review the latest guidelines and decide what is right for you and your baby based on your individual health history and circumstances.

Why Vaccination During Pregnancy Matters

Pregnancy naturally alters the immune system. The body deliberately modulates its immune response to prevent rejection of the developing fetus, which means pregnant women are more susceptible to certain infections — and those infections can be more severe during pregnancy than at other times. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), certain vaccinations during pregnancy not only protect the mother but also provide passive immunity to the baby, offering protection during the first months of life when the infant is too young to be vaccinated.

The concept of passive immunity is one of the most important reasons vaccines are recommended during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman receives a vaccine, her immune system produces antibodies that cross the placenta and transfer to the baby. These maternal antibodies provide the newborn with critical early protection against diseases like influenza, whooping cough, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — illnesses that can be particularly dangerous for newborns.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Wayne County discuss vaccination with every prenatal patient, ensuring that expectant mothers understand both the benefits and the current recommendations so they can make the decision that feels right for them.

Flu Shots During Pregnancy

The influenza vaccine is one of the most strongly recommended vaccinations during pregnancy. ACOG, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Medical Association (AMA) all recommend that pregnant women receive the inactivated influenza vaccine during flu season, regardless of trimester. Pregnant women who contract the flu are at significantly higher risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and preterm labor.

The inactivated flu shot — the standard injectable form — has been administered to millions of pregnant women over many decades and has an extensive safety record. The CDC notes that flu vaccination during pregnancy has not been associated with increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is important to note that the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), which contains a live attenuated virus, is not recommended during pregnancy — only the inactivated injectable form should be used.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Wayne County can administer the flu shot at any point during pregnancy and will help determine the optimal timing based on each patient’s due date and the start of flu season.

COVID Vaccination During Pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been the subject of extensive study since the vaccines first became available. ACOG and the CDC both recommend that pregnant individuals receive COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters when eligible, at any stage of pregnancy. According to ACOG, pregnant women who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death compared to non-pregnant individuals of the same age.

Data from large-scale studies — including research published by the CDC and the NIH — has not identified an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or birth defects associated with COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Additionally, studies published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology have shown that vaccinated mothers transfer COVID-19 antibodies to their babies through the placenta and breast milk, providing important early protection for newborns.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Wayne County stay current with the latest COVID vaccination guidelines and will discuss the most up-to-date recommendations with each patient, taking into account their vaccination history, health status, and any concerns they may have.

Other Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy

In addition to the flu shot and COVID vaccine, ACOG and the CDC recommend the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) during each pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27 and 36 of gestation. The primary purpose of the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy is to protect the newborn against pertussis — whooping cough — which can be life-threatening in infants under two months of age. Maternal antibodies produced after Tdap vaccination cross the placenta and provide the baby with protection until they are old enough to begin their own vaccination series.

The RSV vaccine has also been approved for use during pregnancy. The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals during weeks 32 through 36 of gestation during RSV season, to provide passive immunity that protects newborns and young infants against RSV — a common respiratory virus that causes thousands of infant hospitalizations each year. Certain other vaccines, including hepatitis B, may be recommended during pregnancy for women who are at increased risk of exposure.

It is important to note that some vaccines — particularly live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) — are not recommended during pregnancy. Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Wayne County will review each patient’s complete immunization history and advise which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy and which should be deferred until after delivery.

Pregnancy Care | Vaccines | Wayne County

Deciding which vaccinations to receive during pregnancy is a personal choice — and one that should be made with the guidance of a trusted healthcare provider who is familiar with your individual health needs. The recommendations from ACOG, the CDC, and the AMA are designed to protect both mother and baby, but every patient deserves a thoughtful, personalized conversation about the benefits and considerations of each vaccine.

If you live in Wayne County and you have questions about flu shots, COVID vaccines, or any other vaccinations during pregnancy, schedule an appointment with board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP. They will take the time to review the latest guidelines with you, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your growing family. This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute specific medical advice.

Top Wayne County OBGYN: 313.561.2200