by Kellyann Carney

Created on: April 21, 2008

Not only can you receive the flu vaccine while pregnant it is imperative that you do. A pregnant woman is more likely to experience complications like pneumonia from the flu. These complications can put not only you but your unborn child in serious risk. That is why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for any woman that may be pregnant during the flu season.

It has been hinted that a woman should not receive a flu vaccine in the first trimester but that is actually false. The injection version of a flu vaccine contains the inactive virus because it has already been killed. Pregnant woman should never receive the nasal spray vaccine because it contains the live virus.

You should be vaccinated as early in the flu season as possible which typically runs from October to Mid-May. Your obstetrician should offer the vaccine as soon as they receive it in the office. If they haven't mentioned it speak up. The flu vaccine has been in shortage in recent years and the doses doctors get go fast. Fortunately pregnant women are on the high priority side.

Make sure that when you are getting the flu vaccine you don't have a fever or severe cold. Your symptoms should be gone so the vaccine does not make them worse. Also if you are allergic to eggs or have had a reaction to a flu vaccine in years past be sure to let your practitioner know. The flu vaccine also takes about 2 weeks before it is fully effective so steer clear of anyone with symptoms of the flu until then.

After you have the baby it is also important that you keep up with your yearly flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that those in close contact with your baby is protected until he or she is five years old, even after they receive their first flu vaccine. The vaccine is also safe for nursing moms and can help to protect your newborn.

Most important, however, the flu vaccine is not the only line of defense when it comes to making sure you stay healthy. Make sure you wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth when you cough, and to keep your distance from anyone with symptoms. Both you and your unborn child will be healthier and have that much less to worry about.

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