Should New Mothers Get The Flu Shot?

Pregnant women and infants under six months of age are considered to be at high risk for influenza-related health issues, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since influenza vaccines are not licensed for use in infants under 6 months of age, a debated method for preventing influenza in this age group is ‘maternal immunization’ during pregnancy.

The term ‘maternal immunization’ means giving flu shots to pregnant women.

The WHO says this immunization approach provides both direct protection to pregnant women and indirect protection for their infants, through transplacental antibody transfer.

To evaluate this option, the WHO convened a working group from 2014 to 2017 to evaluate the maternal immunization approach for influenza disease burden and vaccine efficacy.

This WHO working group concluded that ‘the available data from previous research is insufficient to estimate the potential impact of maternal immunization during pregnancy on severe influenza illness.’

Which means, pregnant women and the mothers of infants less than 6 months of age should seek clinical advice from their doctor or pharmacist.

During September 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its 2017 flu shot recommendations for children older than 6 months of age. The AAP states ‘vaccination remains the best available preventive measure against influenza'.

But, the AAP says ‘every flu season is different, every person is unique, and influenza infections affect people differently.’

Which means, ask your doctor or pharmacist for personal advice!

Flu vaccines are approved for use for specific groups of people. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, current and past health issues, and allergies.

Most pharmacies offer several flu vaccines. The the cost varies depending upon your insurance and which state you live.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Vaccine discounts can be found here.  

The researchers participating on this WHO workgroup reported various conflicts of interest.