Even if you’ve never gotten a flu shot before, being an expectant mother is a great reason to start. The CDC recommends the vaccine for anyone over the age of 6 months, but especially for certain high-risk populations, including pregnant women. Find out why visiting your medical clinic for a quick and convenient flu shot is important to both your health and your baby’s.

Prevent Flu-Related Complications

Pregnant women who contract influenza are more likely to experience severe flu-related illnesses than others in their age group. In some cases, complications could even result in hospitalization. This is because pregnant women and those who have recently given birth experience changes to their immune system, lungs, and heart that make them more susceptible to severe flu cases. Fortunately, the flu vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and their babies, and receiving the shot reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization by 40%.

The vaccine doesn’t just protect you from serious illness, however. It also keeps your developing baby safe while in the womb. The flu is often accompanied by a fever, and during early pregnancy, elevated body temperature could increase the risk of birth defects.

With that being said, women who haven’t yet received their flu vaccine should visit a local medical clinic to do so regardless of which trimester they’re in, as flu symptoms are always best avoided altogether for pregnant women. 

Keep Your Newborn Protected

If the benefits of getting vaccinated for yourself and your baby while you’re pregnant aren’t compelling enough, consider this: The flu vaccine can also help keep your baby protected after birth. The vaccine can’t be administered to babies under the age of 6 months, but some of your antibodies will carry over in utero, and then through breast milk, to protect your child even after they’re born. Until they’re old enough to receive the vaccination from the medical clinic themselves, the protection they receive from you can help ward off the flu virus. 

Whether or not you’re expecting, visit Palladium Primary Care for your flu vaccine at your earliest convenience. Serving Guilford County, NC, this medical clinic is home to experienced providers who are committed to offering the best level of care for their patients. See their full list of services, including sick visits, physical exams, and immunizations, on their website. Call (336) 841-8500 to schedule an appointment today.