We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Should I get the Swine Flu Vaccination During Pregnancy?

By Patti Kate
Updated Jan 22, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Women who are pregnant may be at an increased risk for contracting infectious diseases. Many experts agree it is sensible to receive a swine flu vaccination during pregnancy. Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is highly contagious and may pose serious health complications in high-risk individuals. It is generally believed the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the minimal risks of complications. You should discuss these risks with your physician, as he can advise you best.

If you are not suffering from an infection or fever, and you have no allergies to chicken eggs, your doctor will most likely advise you to receive the swine flu vaccination, even if you are pregnant. The vaccine is cultivated with eggs, so women with that allergy should be cautious. Medical experts also believe there is heightened risk of miscarriage if a woman contracts swine flu during pregnancy. This is because H1N1 is considered to be more dangerous than seasonal influenza.

Receiving the swine flu vaccination during pregnancy will not guarantee that you won't contract the illness. It could, however, lessen the severity for you and your unborn baby if you contract swine flu. During your pregnancy, your immune system may not be as strong as it normally is. You're also less likely to be able to fight off infection without complications, should you become ill.

Many misconceptions surround swine flu and vaccinations for the virus. It is not possible to contract swine flu from the swine flu vaccination during pregnancy or any other time. The vaccination, which is done through injection, does not contain an active or live virus, making it impossible to contract H1N1 from the vaccine.

Government health officials state that the swine flu vaccination during pregnancy is perfectly safe. It is recommended you receive your swine flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available prior to the flu season. Although it was once necessary to have a seasonal flu shot in addition to the H1N1 vaccination, protection is now being combined into one shot. This will ensure maximum protection against most strains of influenza.

If you receive your influenza shot during pregnancy, antibodies will develop within your body to protect you and the developing fetus. Experts also believe there is a chance of added protection for your baby even after birth. It is recommended that you avoid the nasal spray vaccine during pregnancy, however, as this form does contain small amounts of weakened live virus.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.