Flu vaccination during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby. Extensive research has confirmed this. Since 2021, pregnant women have been able to get the flu vaccine in the Netherlands. The rest of the world approved it much earlier, and experiences have been positive.

Figure 1: map (Europe): the countries in dark blue recommend vaccinating against flu during pregnancy

 

Side effects

Any side effects that occur are almost always mild and temporary. The most common side effect is a response at the injection site. The most common side effects after that are muscle ache and a general feeling of malaise. These almost always go away within two days. The flu vaccine can sometimes cause fever, but usually not higher than 38°C. Flu is more likely to cause fever, and usually at higher temperatures.

Possible side effects:

Illustration 1: Pain at the injection site

Pain at the injection site 

Illustration 2: Listlessness

Listlessness

Illustration 3: headache

Headache 

Safety

Studies in other countries have shown that flu vaccination during pregnancy is safe for pregnant women and for babies. It has no negative consequences for the baby or the pregnancy. There are no differences in key pregnancy outcomes, such as risk of premature birth or low birth weight, when comparing pregnant women who have or have not had the flu vaccine. Pregnant women do not suffer more from side effects of the flu vaccine than women who are not pregnant.