Why is the flu shot during pregnancy recommended by experts?
Those who get the influenza flu during pregnancy can have harmful effects on a developing baby and cause serious health problems for the pregnant person. If a pregnant person gets the influenza flu vaccine, they will be protected against the dangerous flu virus and all its potential negative health complications.
Can the flu shot make you sick or cause side effects?
Pregnant people getting the flu vaccine may experience mild side effects including soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and headache can occur within 48 hours of the injection. Fainting can occur during the injection and allergic reactions to the vaccine can rarely occur.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the flu shot during pregnancy or any circumstances in which it wouldn’t be safe?
If people have a life-threatening egg allergy, they should receive the flu shot with caution, or not at all, since the vaccine has an egg-base. Those people who have a history of significant adverse reactions to vaccine injections, should make their health care provider aware, so proper precautions can be taken.
What’s the best time to get it?
The best time to get the flu vaccine is any time during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Giving the vaccine during the high-risk time of year, September and October, is the most important time to give the vaccine during pregnancy.
Is there mercury/thimerosal in flu shots?
Ideally, pregnant people should receive the thimerosal-free vaccine, even though flu vaccines contain a small amount of thimerosal, which does not cause any harm to the developing baby or pregnant person.
Does the flu shot may cause autism?
The anti-vaccine movement has spread misconceptions about how vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for decades. As the number of ASD cases increase, many vaccines have been singled out as the cause of this disorder. Even though there is no scientific research to support this association, misinformation, and antiquated myths, continue about vaccines being a potential cause of ASD. Unfortunately, there was one study, that has since been discredited, linking vaccine to autism.
What should you do if you’re unable to get the flu shot?
If you are unable to get the flu shot due to allergic reactions or any other reason, take certain measures to protect yourself from the risk of getting the flu.
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20second after touching doorknobs, handrails or being in public spaces.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, face, and mouth.
- Avoid being in close contact to others who are sick.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Wash your hands if you use a tissue.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and staying active.
Why do I need the RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during the RSV season which runs from September through January. By getting the RSV vaccine, you create antibodies that are passed onto the fetus which protects against RSV for the first 6 months after birth. Protecting the baby against getting a serious RSV infection early in life can be life-saving
Why do I need a whooping cough vaccine (Tdap)?
You should get the Tdap vaccine between 27-36 weeks of each pregnancy. This vaccine creates antibodies that are passed onto the fetus which protects against whooping cough until a baby can get a whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccine typically done at 2 months of age. Cases of whooping cough have increased in certain states due to those not getting vaccinated which could be dangerous to a newborn.
Should I be worrying about the COVID-19 virus during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or postpartum you have a higher risk of more severe illness from COVID-19 compared to those who are not pregnant. If you get COVID during pregnancy you are at an increased risk of pre-eclampia, eclampsia, cesarean birth and blood clots. COVID positive pregnant women are more likely have severe enough symptoms to need intensive care unit admission, ventilator care or die from the virus.
Pregnant women with obesity, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and lung disease, may have an even higher risk of severe illness, compared to nonpregnant women with these same conditions.
Pregnant women who are Black or Hispanic have a higher rate of illness and death from COVID-19 than other pregnant women since these they are more likely to face social, health, and economic inequities that put them at greater risk of illness.
Are COVID vaccine’s safe to give during pregnancy?
YES, the COVID vaccine is not only safe in pregnancy but recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology(ACOG) to be given to all pregnant and lactating women. The benefits of getting the vaccine, outweigh the risk of getting COVID-19 while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are there any risks getting a tetanus shot while pregnant?
Tetanus shots are completely safe in pregnancy. The Tdap (Tetanus toxoid, Diphtheria toxoid and Pertussis) vaccine is routinely given to pregnant women ideally between 27- and 36-weeks gestation.
