Yes, you can get a flu shot while pregnant, and it’s a good idea too! You’re more likely to get sick from the flu when you’re pregnant. This is because of changes to your immune system while you’re pregnant. The flu can also be a danger to your baby. The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, is the best-known way to prevent the flu and the dangers it brings.
Virginia Premier covers CDC-recommended vaccines. This means you won’t need to pay for a flu shot.
When Should I Get the Flu Shot?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) suggest that pregnant people get flu shots during flu season. This is true no matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in. If you are trying to get pregnant, you should also get a flu shot during flu season. Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu.
You can also protect your newborn by getting the flu shot during flu season. Babies under six months old can’t get the flu shot, but they are at risk of getting very sick if they get the flu. This is why the CDC suggests that anyone who spends a lot of time with a newborn should get the flu shot.
What Does the Flu Shot Do?
The flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu. This means that it does a few important things in the body when you’re pregnant:
- Prevents Flu and Illness: If you get the flu and you had your flu shot, you are much less likely to get very sick or end up in the hospital. In addition, having a fever caused by the flu early on in pregnancy can raise the risk of birth defects.
- Protects the Baby During Pregnancy and After Birth: The flu shot will protect your baby from flu complications while you are pregnant. It also continues to protect the baby from the flu after birth. After getting a flu shot, a person develops antibodies that protect from the flu. These antibodies pass through the placenta and breast milk. This is important to protect babies under six months old, as they can’t get the flu shot. They depend on your immune system to protect them.
Where Should I Get a Flu Shot?
You can get a flu shot at a clinic, a provider’s office, or at some pharmacies.
You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the flu shot.
If you are a member and need to discuss details about your health plan, please call Member Services at the number on the back of your member ID card.
