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We’ve all had colds and flu. Usually, if we’re young and healthy, we tackle these minor ailments without any difficulty. That changes during pregnancy – not only are pregnant women more likely to catch the flu, but they can also suffer more severe consequences.
The best solution is a flu jab during pregnancy. Taken annually, this vaccine can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. However, many expectant or new mothers raise concerns about the flu jab and breastfeeding.
We’re answering any concerns and questions below. Here’s everything you need to know about flu vaccines for pregnant women.
In this guide:
Why Have the Flu Jab When Pregnant?
The flu isn’t like the common cold. Everyone has thought they might have the flu when they’ve experienced a particularly bad cold. However, the flu leaves you feeling very ill with symptoms including fever, chills, aches, pains, and a headache. You’re left completely exhausted.
When you’re pregnant, these symptoms can be more severe, sometimes leading to intensive care. You’re also more vulnerable to contracting the illness, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The most common complication of flu is bronchitis, which, if left untreated, can develop into pneumonia.
Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy reduces these risks. Because your lungs have a small space to function – due to the growing baby – less blood and oxygen is circulating to let your body fight the infection. The vaccine supports your immune system, minimising the risk of the most serious complications, e.g., pneumonia.
Safety of the Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
Is the flu jab safe in pregnancy? In short, yes. Everyone from the NHS, CDC, and WHO advises pregnant women to take the jab. Under the UK government’s guidance, all pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy) are among those recommended to have an annual flu vaccine. But what about the risks? Well, the flu vaccine is extremely safe. Flu jabs are given to millions of people yearly, and there’s a large body of research supporting their safety in both pregnant women and their babies.
That being said, you may feel some mild side effects for one or two days. These include feeling a little sore at the injection site, having mild flu-like symptoms, e.g., headache, muscle aches, fever, or tiredness, and just a general lack of energy. However, there is no risk of catching the flu, as the vaccine is inert.
When is The Best Time to Get the Flu Jab During Pregnancy?
The annual flu vaccine is usually available starting in September. The earlier you get it during the flu season, the better, as it minimises the window when you could develop an infection. But, if you miss the autumn vaccination date, you can still get vaccinated during winter.
As mentioned, the UK government advises all pregnant women to have the flu jab. Women in the later stages of pregnancy are at greater risk, however, and should prioritise getting vaccinated. Furthermore, vaccination should continue after pregnancy. Young children are highly susceptible to the flu and, like their pregnant mothers, can end up needing intensive care.
Flu Jab and Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the flu jab is not only safe but also highly recommended. Contracting the flu while pregnant can lead to severe complications, making the vaccine an essential preventive step. But it’s not just important during pregnancy – receiving the flu jab both during and after pregnancy provides your newborn with immunity in the critical early months of life.
Protection for the Mother: Significantly reduces the risk of severe flu-related complications such as pneumonia, preterm labour, and hospitalisation during pregnancy.
Protection for the Baby: Antibodies produced by the mother after vaccination are passed on to the baby through the placenta, providing critical immunity during the first few months of life when the baby is too young to receive their own flu vaccine.
Safe During Breastfeeding: The flu jab remains safe and effective for breastfeeding mothers. Antibodies continue to be transferred through breast milk, offering ongoing protection for the baby.
Prevention of Maternal Illness: Reduces the likelihood of the mother contracting the flu, thereby decreasing the risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn and other family members.
Breastfeeding mothers can confidently receive the flu vaccine, knowing it is safe and beneficial. The antibodies generated by the mother are passed to the baby through breast milk, offering further protection against the flu. This ensures that both mother and baby remain protected during flu season, reducing the risk of illness for the most vulnerable members of the family.
Types of Flu Vaccines for Pregnant Women
Flu vaccines aren’t all the same. While every vaccine combats flu, different vaccines have different levels of effectiveness. There are four main types of flu vaccines in the UK:
Nasal Flu Vaccine (LAIV): A live, weakened vaccine given nasally to children, stimulating immunity without causing illness.
Recombinant Quadrivalent Vaccine (QIVr): Made using recombinant DNA technology, this vaccine offers broad protection against four flu strains without using eggs, making it safe for people with allergies.
Cell-based Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine (QIVc): Produced in cultured cells instead of eggs, this vaccine includes four flu strains and is suitable for those with egg allergies.
Traditional Egg-Based Vaccines (QIVe): Developed by growing the flu virus in eggs, this vaccine protects against four strains but may not suit those with severe egg allergies.
(Note: All vaccines in the UK are quadrivalent vaccines. This means that they contain all 4 strains of flu vaccines: 2 subtypes of influenza A and 2 subtypes of influenza B. Another type of vaccine, called a trivalent vaccine, only contains 2 subtypes of influenza A and 1 subtype of influenza B.)
Not all vaccines are inactive, i.e., not alive. Live attenuated vaccines are available for people aged from 2 years to 18 years old. Live vaccines are not advisable in pregnant women due to the lack of evidence for their safety.
Overall, pregnant women should opt for any inactive quadrivalent shot (preferably either QIVc or QIVr) as it provides the greatest level of protection. There’s also the option for an egg-free vaccine for people with an egg allergy. Learn more about the flu vaccines for the 2024 to 2025 season here. Current UK guidance is to give the QIVc or, if not available, the QIVe – both quadrivalent vaccines.
How to Get the Flu Jab When Pregnant
Having the flu jab during pregnancy is a simple and straightforward process. Every pregnant woman in the UK is eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NHS. Often, these are given at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and antenatal clinics. It’s important to book your flu jab as early as possible during flu season to ensure you and your baby are protected.
You can join the Health Klinix flu waitlist today – we’ll let you know as soon as appointments are available.
In addition to Health Klinix, you can contact your GP directly, respond to an NHS reminder, or check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer the service. Walk-in appointments are also available in locations throughout the UK. If you’re receiving antenatal care, it’s likely that your midwife or healthcare provider will arrange for a pregnancy flu vaccine during a routine appointment.
Note. Flu vaccine stocks are limited by availability. Some locations may temporarily run out after the initial peak in uptake. Remember to book your pregnancy flu jab early to avoid challenges during peak flu season. Schedule your jab with either your GP or pharmacist, or consider booking an appointment with a private clinic like Health Klinix.
Final Thoughts
Flu in pregnancy is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby. Having the flu jab during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventative measure, minimising symptoms and severe complications. Flu jabs during breastfeeding are also extremely safe.
You can receive the flu vaccine through your GP, local pharmacy, or antenatal clinic. If you face difficulties in securing an appointment or encounter stock limitations, consider booking with Health Klinix for a hassle-free experience.
Take the next step in protecting your health and your baby’s health—book your flu jab appointment with Health Klinix today.
References
Written by:
Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Reviewed and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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