It’s not too late to get a flu shot – especially if you’re
pregnant, say experts at the March of Dimes. The US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging all Americans to
get an influenza vaccine, and pregnant women should be at the
front of that line. The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and
can protect both mother and baby from the flu and its possible
consequences. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications
from flu because pregnancy takes a toll on their respiratory and
immune systems. Pregnant women are more likely to be
hospitalized with flu and influenza infections can increase
their risk of preterm labor and delivery. Health complications
from influenza, such as pneumonia, can be serious and even
deadly. Newborns are also at an increased risk of severe illness
and even death from the flu. Nationwide, 64 child deaths have
been reported this flu season. Studies have shown, however, that
if mothers are vaccinated during pregnancy their newborns are
less likely to become ill wi