Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Three Vaccines Every Pregnant Woman Should Consider Amid Super Flu Case Surge

vaccines for pregnant women

One particularly vulnerable group across the UK is being strongly advised to receive up to three vaccines this season. This winter has seen a sharp rise in seasonal viruses, with the NHS warning that hospitals and ambulance services are under significant pressure due to higher demand. 

This surge is largely driven by the <span>H3N2 flu strain</span>, known as subclade K, which is currently circulating at ‘medium’ levels but with increased activity. The UK Health Security Agency reports that flu-related hospital admissions have climbed to 7.79% per 100,000, up from 4.78% per 100,000 the previous week.

While common winter viruses such as flu, RSV, and whooping cough can cause uncomfortable symptoms for most people, certain groups face a higher risk of serious complications. These include children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

<h2>Why You Should Get Vaccinated While Pregnant</h2>

Flu shots are highly effective at protecting both mothers and their babies, as the body responds differently to infections during pregnancy. NHS guidance notes that pregnant women are more susceptible to complications from viral infections, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Infants are also at a higher risk of severe illness if exposed to viruses, which can sometimes result in mothers and babies requiring intensive care. Additionally, infections like flu can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight, which may raise the chance of stillbirth or neonatal death.

<h2>How Vaccines Protect Pregnant Mothers And Their Babies</h2>

Vaccination during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to the baby, giving them similar levels of defence against serious illness in the first weeks of life. This applies to vaccines for flu, whooping cough, and RSV, helping shield both mother and newborn.

<h2>Vaccines Pregnant Women Aren't Advised To Get</h2>

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid vaccines that contain a live version of a virus, as these could theoretically infect the unborn child. However, evidence shows live vaccines do not typically cause birth defects.

The main exception is when the risk of infection is higher than the potential risk from the vaccine itself. Examples of live vaccines include:

<ul><li>Yellow fever</li><li>Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)</li><li>Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine)</li></ul>

<h2>Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot During Pregnancy?</h2>Yes. Getting a flu shot while pregnant is considered safe. If you have concerns, it is best to discuss them with your doctor, midwife, or another member of your prenatal care team during a routine visit, as per Mayo Clinic.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that anyone who is pregnant during flu season should receive the flu shot, regardless of which trimester they are in.

A <span>flu vaccine during pregnancy</span> can help in several ways:

<strong>Lower the risk of flu-related illness during pregnancy</strong>

Pregnancy changes how the immune system, heart, and lungs function, which can make flu infections more severe. A flu shot reduces the chance of catching the flu and lowers the risk of needing hospital care if you do get sick.

<strong>Reduce risks to the developing baby</strong>

Getting the flu, especially early in pregnancy, may increase the risk of certain health problems in the unborn baby. Flu infection has also been linked to a higher chance of birth-related complications.

<strong>Protect the baby after delivery</strong>

Newborns are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu, but they cannot be vaccinated until they are six months old. Antibodies produced after a flu shot during pregnancy cross the placenta and are also found in breast milk, helping protect the baby in the first months of life.

When getting vaccinated, pregnant women should choose the flu shot, not the nasal spray. The injection uses an inactive virus and is safe at any stage of pregnancy. The nasal spray contains a live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women.

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One particularly vulnerable group across the UK is being strongly advised to receive up to three vaccines this season. This winter has seen a sharp rise in seasonal viruses, with the NHS warning that hospitals and ambulance services are under significant pressure due to higher demand. This surge is largely driven by the H3N2 flu strain, known as subclade K, which is currently circulating at ‘medium’ levels but with increased activity. The UK Health Security Agency reports that flu-related hospital admissions have climbed to 7.79% per 100,000, up from 4.78% per 100,000 the previous week.While common winter viruses such as flu, RSV, and whooping cough can cause uncomfortable symptoms for most people, certain groups face a higher risk of serious complications. These include children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.Why You Should Get Vaccinated While PregnantFlu shots are highly effective at protecting both mothers and their babies, as the body responds differently to infections during pregnancy. NHS guidance notes that pregnant women are more susceptible to complications from viral infections, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.Infants are also at a higher risk of severe illness if exposed to viruses, which can sometimes result in mothers and babies requiring intensive care. Additionally, infections like flu can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight, which may raise the chance of stillbirth or neonatal death.How Vaccines Protect Pregnant Mothers And Their BabiesVaccination during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to the baby, giving them similar levels of defence against serious illness in the first weeks of life. This applies to vaccines for flu, whooping cough, and RSV, helping shield both mother and newborn.Vaccines Pregnant Women Aren't Advised To GetPregnant women are generally advised to avoid vaccines that contain a live version of a virus, as these could theoretically infect the unborn child. However, evidence shows live vaccines do not typically cause birth defects.The main exception is when the risk of infection is higher than the potential risk from the vaccine itself. Examples of live vaccines include:Yellow feverMeasles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine)Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot During Pregnancy?Yes. Getting a flu shot while pregnant is considered safe. If you have concerns, it is best to discuss them with your doctor, midwife, or another member of your prenatal care team during a routine visit, as per Mayo Clinic.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that anyone who is pregnant during flu season should receive the flu shot, regardless of which trimester they are in.A flu vaccine during pregnancy can help in several ways:Lower the risk of flu-related illness during pregnancyPregnancy changes how the immune system, heart, and lungs function, which can make flu infections more severe. A flu shot reduces the chance of catching the flu and lowers the risk of needing hospital care if you do get sick.Reduce risks to the developing babyGetting the flu, especially early in pregnancy, may increase the risk of certain health problems in the unborn baby. Flu infection has also been linked to a higher chance of birth-related complications.Protect the baby after deliveryNewborns are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu, but they cannot be vaccinated until they are six months old. Antibodies produced after a flu shot during pregnancy cross the placenta and are also found in breast milk, helping protect the baby in the first months of life.When getting vaccinated, pregnant women should choose the flu shot, not the nasal spray. The injection uses an inactive virus and is safe at any stage of pregnancy. The nasal spray contains a live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women.