Pregnancy and the Flu

If you’re pregnant, taking precautions to prevent the flu or COVID-19 infection is especially important. Pregnant women, even those in perfect health, can become very ill if they get the flu or COVID-19. 

Flu risks increase as pregnancy progresses. One study showed that healthy women near the end of their pregnancies were almost 5 times as likely to be admitted to the hospital during the flu season for heart or lung problems as women who were 1 to 6 months postpartum. Another study showed that pregnant women with asthma are at higher risk for hospitalization during the flu season.  

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy leads to increased risk of maternal severe illness, admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation and death. Pregnant patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age and cardiovascular disease also face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.  

Will the Flu and COVID Vaccines Help? 

Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both mother and baby from flu. A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%. Pregnant women who get a flu vaccine also are helping to protect their babies from flu illness for the first several months after their birth, when they’re too young to get vaccinated.  

Evidence has shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals when preventing against COVID-19 infection or hospitalization and can decrease the risk of severe disease. A study conducted by the CDC from 2022-2023 showed that maternal receipt of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy reduced the likelihood of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and serious complications among infants early in life.  

When Should I Get Vaccinated if I’m Pregnant? 

The flu vaccine can be given during any trimester of pregnancy and anytime during flu season. The ideal time is in September or October. COVID-19 vaccines can be given throughout the year and during any trimester of pregnancy.  

What Do Doctors Advise? 

Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that women who are or will be pregnant get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The vast majority of experts believe both the flu and COVID-19 shots are safe and can be given in any stage of pregnancy. Sutter Health strongly endorses this position. If you're pregnant and want to discuss the flu or COVID-19 vaccine further, talk to your primary care provider or obstetrician.  

Visit our Flu and COVID Resources to schedule your flu and COVID shots.