Flu and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy 

If you’re pregnant, taking precautions to prevent the flu or COVID-19 infection is especially important. Pregnant women have to think about protecting themselves and their developing baby.

Pregnant individuals are at significantly higher risk of serious complications, including pneumonia and hospitalization, due to influenza or COVID compared to nonpregnant people.  The risks increase even more if there are underlying health conditions like asthma, a history of smoking, diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age or cardiovascular disease.   

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%. A 2025 study shows that pregnant women who get a flu vaccine reduce the risk of their babies developing a flu illness by 44% over the first six months after birth, when they’re too young to get vaccinated.  

According to Daniel Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician with Sutter, “Pregnant women who get a flu vaccine also are helping to protect their babies from flu for up to the first six 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. It is more effective at protecting the baby if administered during the second or third trimester. However, do not delay if influenza is starting to circulate or beyond October.

What do doctors advise? 

Doctors now follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Both organizations 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.