Why Pregnant Women Need the Flu Vaccine: Protecting Both Lives

One of the most underestimated health risks for expectant mothers is seasonal influenza, or Flu. “A woman’s body responds differently to infections during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is at a higher risk of developing complications, especially if the infection occurs in the later trimesters,” says Dr Pratibha Narayan, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Cosmetic & Reconstructive Gynecologist, 9M Hospitals by Ankura Hospital for Women and Children. Treating the flu as just another cold is a widespread misunderstanding, and flu must be considered as a significant risk, especially in pregnancy. She adds that one of the simplest and most effective preventive steps to avoid the serious complications caused by flu is timely influenza vaccination. What makes flu in pregnancy different? The accommodation of the developing foetus changes a lot inside a woman’s body. During pregnancy, the body undergoes major changes, including the heart and lungs working harder to support both mother and baby. At the same time, there is immune modulation to protect the fetus, which can increase the mother's risk of certain infections. At such a time, the chances of developing flu-related complications are higher. Severe issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory distress may require hospitalization or even intensive care. “Pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, anaemia, or hypertension should be particularly careful, as these conditions place them at a higher risk of severe infection,” adds Dr. Pratibha. Double protection by flu vaccine It is not only the mother who benefits from the influenza vaccination, but maternal immunisation provides early and critical protection to newborns as well. The flu vaccine cannot be given to babies until six months of age, which leaves newborns in a high-risk zone during their early months. However, when a pregnant woman receives the flu vaccine, she passes protective antibodies to her baby through the placenta, helping safeguard the newborn against flu during the initial months of life. This natural defence shields the baby from developing severe illness and from requiring hospitalisation. Is it safe to get the flu vaccine in pregnancy? Even though the influenza vaccine during pregnancy is backed by strong evidence of safety, certain misconceptions exist. One of the common misconceptions is the possibility of the vaccine itself causing flu. “Flu vaccine does not contain any living viruses and thus cannot cause flu,” assures Dr Pratibha. Leading health organisations have provided enough extended global data that proves the vaccine to be associated with healthier maternal and neonatal outcomes and is safe to be administered during any trimester. “Flu during pregnancy can not only lead to health complications but also increase the risk of premature birth and stillbirth, especially when it occurs in the later trimesters, making the vaccine essential,” advises Dr. Pratibha. Timing for flu vaccine Dr. Pratibha says, “The flu vaccine can be safely taken at any time during pregnancy. Getting it earlier provides longer protection throughout the pregnancy, while taking it later still helps prevent complications around delivery and protects the newborn.” Pregnant women are thus advised to follow their routine appointments during pregnancy, and get vaccinated as advised by the gynaecologist. She further Says, FOGSI recommends the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for pregnant women, ideally given between October and January. The vaccine can be administered at any point during pregnancy, but a common recommendation is to give it from 26 weeks onwards, unless the risk of flu is high, in which case it should be given earlier. Another important aspect to understand is that even if a woman received the flu vaccine in the year before pregnancy, she still needs to be vaccinated again. Dr. Pratibha explains that the viruses causing flu change every year, which makes repeated vaccination essential. As we continue to navigate evolving seasonal patterns and changing viral strains, influenza vaccination remains a reliable and effective preventive tool. “Two lives can be significantly protected with a single, timely vaccine. The flu vaccine not only gives babies a stronger start in life but also reassures mothers that their own health is safeguarded during this special period,” concludes Dr. Pratibha. End of Article