Flu shot while pregnant: is it safe? 2026–27 guidance

Is the flu shot safe during pregnancy?

Yes, the flu shot is safe in any trimester, and it protects both you and your baby. Pregnancy changes the immune system, heart, and lungs, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to severe flu complications. The flu virus can lead to hospitalization and, in rare cases, even death during pregnancy.

The flu shot reduces the risk of flu-related complications, including premature labor and delivery. It also provides antibodies to the baby, offering protection during the first few months after birth when infants are too young to be vaccinated themselves. According to the CDC, mothers who get the flu vaccine during pregnancy have babies with fewer flu-related hospitalizations in their first year of life.

Risks of skipping the flu vaccine

Without vaccination, pregnant women face higher chances of severe flu symptoms, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues. These complications can affect oxygen levels, which are vital for fetal development. The flu can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, leading to more serious complications that could endanger both mother and child.

What the experts say

Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommend flu vaccination for all pregnant women during flu season, regardless of trimester. The vaccine is updated every year to match the strains going around.

All 2026-2027 US flu vaccines are trivalent (H1N1, H3N2, B/Victoria). All three components were updated, including a new H3N2 component targeting subclade K (J.2.4.1), the strain that drove the 2025-2026 season.

Which flu vaccines are safe in pregnancy?

Inactivated and recombinant flu shots are safe during pregnancy. Extensive research has found no link between the flu vaccine and risks to pregnancy or the health of your developing baby, so you can ask your care team about getting it.

Shot vs. nasal spray: what pregnant women can get

• Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV): This is the flu shot containing killed virus particles and is safe during pregnancy.
• Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV): Also safe in pregnancy. It is made without growing flu virus.

mFlusiva is approved for adults 50 and older only, so it does not apply to pregnancy.

FluMist and FluMist Home (live nasal spray) are not for pregnancy. Use an inactivated or recombinant shot instead.

Flu vaccine side effects in pregnancy

Side effects from the flu shot are generally mild and temporary. They may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches. These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two and are far less severe than flu illness itself.

Addressing common concerns about the flu shot

It is normal to have questions about any medical intervention during pregnancy. Two concerns often raised are whether the shot can cause the flu and whether an allergy rules it out. If either worries you, your doctor can review your history and help you choose a vaccine that fits.

Can the flu shot cause the flu?

No, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. It contains inactivated virus particles, which cannot cause infection. You may have mild side effects after the shot, but these are not the same as having the flu.

When to get a flu shot while pregnant

You can get a flu shot in any trimester. September through October is the ideal time, and if you are in your third trimester in July or August, getting vaccinated then is also acceptable and can help protect your newborn in the first months after birth. Many clinics, pharmacies, and doctors' offices offer the vaccine.

If you get the flu while pregnant

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu, an antiviral medicine) is the preferred flu treatment during pregnancy, so yes, you can take Tamiflu while pregnant. The dose is the same as for people who are not pregnant. Treatment works best when you start within 48 hours of your first symptoms, so contact a doctor as soon as you suspect flu rather than waiting to see if it passes.

Baloxavir (Xofluza) is not recommended in pregnancy, because there are no safety or effectiveness data for pregnant women. Our guide to Xofluza in pregnancy explains more.

A telehealth visit can assess your symptoms and, when appropriate, prescribe an antiviral so you do not have to sit in a waiting room while feverish. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fever that does not come down need urgent in-person care.

If you prefer to discuss your options or have specific health concerns, you can see a licensed doctor by video visit on Doctronic, in all 50 states. A video visit is $39. If you suspect flu, a telehealth visit can be a fast way to get Tamiflu online, so you can start treatment within that 48-hour window.

Steps to take

1. Talk with your own doctor, or book a video visit with a licensed doctor on Doctronic, about your flu shot options.
2. Find a convenient location or service offering the flu vaccine.
3. Get vaccinated in any trimester, as early in the season as you can.
4. Keep records of your vaccination for your medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get the flu shot during pregnancy?

You can get the flu shot in any trimester. September through October is ideal. July through August is acceptable in the third trimester, because vaccination then has been associated with lower flu risk for infants in their first months after birth.

Can the flu vaccine harm my baby?

No. Research shows no link between the flu vaccine and harm to the baby. Instead, it helps protect your newborn after birth.

What about allergies and the flu shot?

Egg allergy does not prevent you from getting a flu shot. People with egg allergy can get any age-appropriate flu vaccine. A past severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients is different, so tell your doctor about it before vaccination.

How soon after the flu shot will I be protected?

It takes about two weeks for your body to build full immunity after vaccination.

Can I get the flu shot if I am breastfeeding?

Yes, the flu vaccine is safe and recommended for breastfeeding mothers as well.

The Bottom Line

The flu shot is safe during pregnancy, and the CDC and ACOG strongly recommend it in any trimester. It cannot cause the flu, and the antibodies it creates can pass to your baby, offering protection after birth. Nasal spray flu vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy, so choose the shot instead.