Protect Yourself and Baby by getting a Flu Shot

Catching the flu is never good, but it can be even more severe for pregnant women. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is encouraging pregnant women to get their flu shots, explains Dr. Tracy Foo with DHEC’s Immunization and Acute Disease Epidemiology Division. “The flu shot is the best protection against the flu and in pregnant women it protects both the mother and the baby from flu. Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant because of changing to woman’s body during pregnancy, a pregnant is more prone to getting severe illness from the flue, this can also be harmful to the baby.” The flu vaccine protects both the mother and child, adds Dr. Foo. “Babies aren’t able to be vaccinated against the flu until they are six months old. When a pregnant woman gets the flu vaccine, she passes along protection to her baby. This helps prevent flu infection for several months after the baby is born. Breast feeding moms should also get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their baby.” As of November 2017, the influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women before and during pregnancy was 35.6%, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Panel Survey. The percentage is alarming because it means that almost two-thirds of pregnant women are potentially not protected, continues Dr. Foo. “Yes, the flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women, it does not cause the flu. Pregnant woman can receive recommended flu vaccines anytime during pregnancy. The side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild. The most common are soreness, redness and or swelling at the injection site. Some people also may have fever or muscle aches.” The flu shot is just the first step in protecting against the illness, concludes Dr. Foo. “In addition to getting a flu shot, pregnant woman should maintain good health habits. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and wash your hands. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant and start experiencing flu symptoms. Your provider may prescribe medications to treat the flu and prevent severe illness.” The flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.