The Short Answer
Yes, you can get the flu shot while pregnant, and major health organizations recommend it. The inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot, not the nasal spray) is considered safe during any trimester and helps protect both the birthing parent and the newborn from severe influenza complications.
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Why the Flu Shot Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes the immune system, heart, and lungs, making severe flu illness more likely. A high fever early in pregnancy has been associated with certain birth defects, and the flu raises the risk of preterm labor and premature delivery. The flu shot reduces these risks by preventing infection or lowering symptom severity.
The protection passes to the baby. Antibodies generated by the mother cross the placenta, offering the newborn some defense during the first months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Which Vaccine Is Safe and Which Is Not
Only the injectable inactivated flu vaccine should be used during pregnancy. The live attenuated nasal spray vaccine (LAIV) is not recommended for pregnant people because it contains a weakened live virus.
| Option | Safe During Pregnancy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inactivated flu shot (injectable) | Yes | Recommended in any trimester; egg-based and egg-free formulations available |
| Live attenuated nasal spray (LAIV) | No | Contains weakened live virus; avoid during pregnancy |
| Recombinant flu shot (e.g., Flublok) | Yes | Egg-free option; approved for adults 18 and older, including pregnant people |
Timing and Side Effects
The CDC advises getting the flu shot as soon as it is available, ideally by the end of October, though vaccination later in the season still provides benefit. Side effects are generally mild and include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches. Serious allergic reactions are rare.
What If You're Already Pregnant and Unsure
Speak with an OB-GYN or midwife before vaccination if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to eggs or prior flu shots, or if you have a Guillain-Barré syndrome history. For most people, the flu shot is a straightforward, well-studied layer of protection that benefits both parent and baby.