Flu jab in pregnancy : Im 31 weeks... - Pregnancy and Par...

Pregnancy and Parenting Support

59,383 members17,014 posts

Flu jab in pregnancy

H_m_t profile image
7 Replies

Im 31 weeks pregnant. I haven’t had the flu jab and I’m not sure that I plan to. Have people had it during pregnancy? Side effects? How much does it protect the baby? The strains of flu change so often that I just don’t know how effective it can be each year?

Written by
H_m_t profile image
H_m_t
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
Kate91 profile image
Kate91

It's based on the most virulent strain each year. They spend all year prepping and predicting which strain is going to be the worst. To be fair I've had it for past few years between being pregnant and working in a hospital and I have actually had less colds than i usually would normally.

kt_11 profile image
kt_11

Yeah it’s a different vaccine every year and I think usually contains strains which are predicted to be prevalent that year.

I usually have it due to working in high risk areas in hospital and had it when I was pregnant last year with no issues or side effects.

It does offer a bit of protection for baby but I think the main reason it’s recommended is because pregnant women are at much higher risk of complications from flu (which can be really serious).

I have known a few people (generally elderly people or those with long term health problems) say they’ve developed a bit of a cold after having it but definitely not as bad as flu. Maybe have a chat with your midwife if you’re undecided? x

roxannacar profile image
roxannacar

Had it both pregnancies with no side effects.

Annh17 profile image
Annh17

I am thinking the same, my midwife says too have it, as pregnant women are more likely to pick colds/flu up. But I have always been dead against having the flu jab, im a carer and have never considered having it, to be honest since I’ve become a carer for nearly 8 years I only get 1-2 colds a year, where as before was getting about 6 a year.

But I am thinking of having it while I’m pregnant just so it protects my baby

I am always offered every year as I work in a surgery and I always refuse as I’m healthy and I wouldn’t be offered it if I didn’t work there.

However when pregnant I did have it as I would never forgive myself if something happened to the baby and I didn’t have it. I had no side effects either xx

Like other people have said, they design it to try to cover the most likely strain. You can’t get the flu from the vaccine as it is not a weakened form of the virus (bearing in mind that flu is much much different to a bad cold). I work in healthcare and have had one every year for probably a decade- I get a bit of a sore arm but nothing else. I’m 23 weeks now and will be getting my whooping cough and flu jab. Pregnant women are more at risk from flu and its complications which could have a knock-on effect on baby. Xx

Hannah27 profile image
Hannah27

I've had it, it leaves a mark on your arm for a few days but that's it. I'd definitely get it as you can still be a carrier for flu even if you don't have symptoms and don't want to spread it to baby when he/she arrives.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Flu jab in pregnancy?

Hello there, I was wondering if you could tell me please how do you feel about the flu jab during...

Flu jab early pregnancy

I'm booked in for Friday for my flu jab I am only 6 and a half weeks pregnant and I've heard loads...
Penel21 profile image

Flu Jab

Hi ladies👋 Just wondering if anyone can help with this.... I need to get a flu jab done but it is...
Sarahk82 profile image

Flu jab and Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy

Hello all, Hope all is well with everyone. Firstly i would like to apology i know...
kasik profile image

Flu Jab

When is the best time in pregnancy to get the flu jab? Can you get it any time or do you have to be...
sa4ahlh profile image

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.