Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be given in which timeframe?

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be given in which timeframe?

• A. First trimester only
• B. Second trimester only
• C. Third trimester only
• D. Any trimester

Answer: (B)

Vaccination against influenza is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. This is because influenza can lead to more severe illness in pregnant people, with higher risks of hospitalization and complications, and vaccination protects both the mother and the newborn. The influenza shot is an inactivated vaccine, which is considered safe in all trimesters, so timing should align with influenza season or routine prenatal visits—not be limited to a single trimester. Receiving the vaccine during pregnancy also helps pass antibodies to the fetus, offering the newborn protection in the early months of life. Live attenuated nasal spray vaccines are not used during pregnancy.

Vaccination against influenza is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. This is because influenza can lead to more severe illness in pregnant people, with higher risks of hospitalization and complications, and vaccination protects both the mother and the newborn. The influenza shot is an inactivated vaccine, which is considered safe in all trimesters, so timing should align with influenza season or routine prenatal visits—not be limited to a single trimester. Receiving the vaccine during pregnancy also helps pass antibodies to the fetus, offering the newborn protection in the early months of life. Live attenuated nasal spray vaccines are not used during pregnancy.