Risk Groups and Specific Conditions
Why Pregnant Women should get a Flu Shot
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and it is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. Ask about any consultation or service fee. Flu can cause serious complications during pregnancy, so vaccination helps protect both you and your baby. The antibodies you produce pass to your baby and help guard them for up to six months after birth, before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves.
Because the flu or influenza is a serious illness, your baby is at risk! Influenza, otherwise known as flu, is an infectious disease that could cause severe complications to pregnant women. Whether you have a healthy or risky pregnancy, contracting influenza during this time might have detrimental health implications. The Australian Immunisation Handbook links influenza during pregnancy with a higher risk of preterm birth.
Influenza can be more severe during pregnancy and can lead to hospitalisation. In the worst-case scenario, women might lose their life to the infection. Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing these complications. If you are not pregnant, you should also contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible, as treatment with antiviral medication may be indicated.
Flu vaccination at any stage of pregnancy
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
Flu vaccination is recommended and free for pregnant women.
Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect you and your baby against influenza. The Australian Immunisation Handbook advises that the inactivated flu shot can be given at any point in the pregnancy. After vaccination, your body will develop antibodies that will help guard you and your baby against the flu infection for up to six months after birth. This is vital, considering that children below six months cannot receive the influenza vaccination. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect infants in their first 6 months of life, alongside precautions such as handwashing and keeping people with influenza away from the baby.
These babies are prone to developing severe complications after influenza infection, including lower respiratory tract infections, particularly pneumonia.
Influenza or flu shot is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. Pregnant women are, therefore, advised to get the shot. Ask your healthcare professional how to get your free NIP flu vaccination. Ask about any consultation or service fee.
Pregnancy is one of several higher-risk situations we plan for — see our flu advice for higher-risk groups.
What measures can pregnant women take to avoid getting the flu?
Regardless of whether you get the flu vaccination at work or in the community, flu vaccination is an effective way of preventing people from becoming infected with the illness. Vaccination reduces the risk of influenza, but does not provide complete protection. Therefore, having the flu vaccination at work or at your medical centre is good for you and other people within the locality. Besides vaccination, other measures can reduce the risk of contracting the flu:
- Wash your hands often, especially after sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing
- Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and use disposable tissues, which you should dispose of immediately after use
- Avoid crowded places, especially those where people might be down with flu
- Keep away from people who are sick with influenza
When can a pregnant woman be vaccinated against the Flu?
The inactivated flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. If you are planning pregnancy, speak with your provider about vaccination. The risk of influenza complications is increased during pregnancy. Vaccination can cause reactions; see the side-effects section below.
How effective is the flu shot?
The Flu vaccine doesn’t provide complete protection. The influenza vaccine triggers the body’s defence mechanism to create antibodies. The antibodies will fight flu-causing agents if they are exposed to them later.
According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, flu vaccine effectiveness varies with the person’s age and immune response, and how closely the vaccine strains match the viruses circulating in the community.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
The side effects resulting from flu shots are usually mild. The Australian Immunisation Handbook reports injection-site reactions, such as swelling, redness and pain, in more than 10% of people receiving a standard-dose inactivated flu vaccine. Fever, feeling unwell and muscle aches occur in 1–10% of recipients and may last 1–2 days. Immediate reactions, including anaphylaxis, are very rare. The inactivated flu vaccine cannot cause influenza, but post-vaccination symptoms can resemble influenza.
If I had a flu vaccination last winter, do I require another flu shot now?
Yes. The flu virus mutates very quickly. A new season flu vaccine is developed every year. The vaccine is updated to target influenza A and B strains expected to circulate in the coming season.
How to manage influenza with a baby in the house
First, identify the signs and symptoms of flu infection.
- Headaches
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Flu is not a cold!
I am pregnant. What if I get influenza?
- Control your temperature (Please seek medical advice before using any medication)
- Ask your healthcare professional for advice about breastfeeding while you are unwell.
- Consult your healthcare professional if the symptoms are evident
- Your healthcare professional will advise you on the best treatment option.
What if a family member gets the flu?
- Make sure you wash your hands before holding your baby
- Educate your family members
- Keep the sick person away from the baby if possible.
What if my baby gets the flu?
- Ask your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby while they are unwell
- Seek medical attention promptly if your baby has flu symptoms
- Keep your child away from other healthy people, especially infants and expectant mothers.
Contact Information
- Australian Capital Territory 02 6205 2300
- New South Wales 1300 066 055
- Northern Territory 08 8922 8044
- Western Australia 08 9321 1312
- South Australia 1300 232 272
- Tasmania 1800 671 738
- Victoria 1300 882 008
- Queensland 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Relevant Links
Immunise Australia Program
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
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