What are the effects of flu shots during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are advised to get flu shots at least one month before the flu season starts. This is because they are one of the most vulnerable groups to the influenza virus. This virus causes flu in both the mother and the child.

Getting a flu shot not only prevents not only reduces the chances of the mother developing this flu; it also prevents flu in the child by passing antibodies – that fight against the influenza virus – to the child. It is also equally beneficial to those women who have given birth and are now breastfeeding their child – in which case the antibodies are passed to the child through breast milk.

However, there are a few side effects associated with getting a flu shot. For instance, the skin where the flu shot is taken turns red, swells and becomes painful. This effect is more noticeable in women who are allergic to eggs – which make up a critical portion of the flu shot. In this case, a type of allergic reaction – called anaphylactic hypersensitivity – occurs. As a result, a flu shot is not suitable for all pregnant women.