CDC: Flu Shot Reduces Pregnant Women's Risk of Hospitalization Due to Infection by 40 Percent

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual flu shot for everyone beginning at six months of age, subject to limited exceptions for individuals who present certain risk factors. The general recommendation to get vaccinated includes women who are pregnant. According to the CDC:

“Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. Pregnant women should get a flu shot and not the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as nasal spray flu vaccine. Flu vaccines given during pregnancy help protect both the mother and her baby from flu. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half… Pregnant women who get a flu vaccine are also helping to protect their babies from flu illness for the first several months after their birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.”

A recent study confirms the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot for pregnant women (once again, subject to each woman’s unique health factors and medical history). As reported by the CDC, the study found that, “[a]n annual flu shot reduced pregnant women’s risk of flu-related hospitalization by an average of 40 [percent].”

More than 80 Percent of Pregnancies Overlap with Flu Season

The study examined flu infections among more than two million pregnant women over a seven-year period. According to the study data, more than 80 percent of pregnancies overlapped with at least one flu season, “underscoring the likelihood that pregnant women will be exposed to flu at some point during their pregnancy.” Getting the flu shot not only reduced study participants’ risk of infection; but, among those who still got infected, it significantly reduced their risk of serious complications.

Additional Flu Shot Resources for Pregnant Women

If you or your spouse or partner is pregnant and you have questions about the flu shot, there is no shortage of information available. However, it is important to rely on trustworthy resources, as there is also a significant amount of misinformation online. To learn more about the benefits and risks associated with getting immunized against influenza during pregnancy, you can read:

Of course, getting vaccinated does carry certain risks, even for individuals for whom vaccination is recommended. With regard to the flu shot, one of the most-common risks is the potential for suffering a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). When getting vaccinated, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, and to see a doctor promptly if you have concerns about your health or medical condition.

Contact National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

If you or a loved one has experienced symptoms of a vaccine-related injury or illness, in addition to seeking medical attention you should consult with a vaccine attorney about your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). For a free, no-obligation consultation, call our national law offices at 202-800-1711, or tell us how to reach you online and we will be in touch shortly.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.