Because of their fragile immune systems, babies are at high risk of getting very sick from the flu, but the vaccines aren’t approved for children younger than age 6 months. So what can a mother do to protect her newborn? It might be as simple as getting a flu shot while she is still pregnant.
According to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers found that a mom’s flu shot while pregnant can offer her newborn protection later. Researchers studied infants ages 6 months and younger. Those whose mothers got vaccinated were about half as likely to be hospitalized with the flu.
Major Benefits for Moms
This protection for baby is on top of the health benefits that pregnant women themselves get from the vaccine. Immunization protects you from serious flu-related complications while you’re expecting. This includes a risk of having your baby prematurely.
“Pregnant women should receive the flu shot because it protects both themselves and their baby from the flu,” said Dr. Suzanne Strubel-Lagan, an OB/GYN at Metropolitan OB/Gyn. “Pregnant women who become infected with the virus often experience a more severe illness than infected women who aren’t pregnant.”
Women who are pregnant can get the vaccination at any time during their pregnancy, and afterwards, even if they are breastfeeding, and there have been no harmful effects noted in pregnant women or infants from the vaccine. There are two types of flu vaccines: shots and a nasal spray. Pregnant women should receive only the shot.
“The flu vaccine is safe at all times while you are carrying your baby, and the months after when you are breastfeeding,” says Dr. Strubel-Lagan. “However, pregnant women should receive a flu vaccine with a needle (either intradermal or intramuscular), and should avoid the nasal vaccine as it contains live virus.”
The government now recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year.
“It is also important that any family members and caregivers who will be with the newborn infant receive the flu vaccine as well,” says Dr. Strubel-Lagan. “This will lower the chances that your baby might be exposed to the virus and end up very sick in the first stages of his or her life.”
Other Ways to Fend Off Germs
Once your new arrival enters the world, you can still take measures to protect your baby while he or she is too young for a flu shot:
- Keep your baby away from crowds and from people who are sick.
- Wash your hands and your baby’s toys often with soap and water.
- Breastfeed, if you can. This will give your baby even more of your antibodies against the flu.
To find a physician, please visit the Rose website, or call our Physician Referralist at 303-320-2578.
