CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Moms, It’s Time for Flu Shots

save article
profile picture of Leah Rocketto
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Heads up moms and moms-to-be! It’s that time of year again.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new flu vaccine that will be used during the 2012-2013 season.

Each year the FDA, in conjunction with  the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study influenza virus samples and global disease patterns to identify virus strains likely to cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season. Based on this research, the new vaccine will target the following strains:

  • A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus
  • A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus
  • B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.

According to the CDC, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year. The CDC and FDA add that vaccination remains the most effective way to fight off the flu, especially this year.

“It is especially important to get vaccinated this year because two of the three virus strains used in this season’s influenza vaccines differ from the strains included in last year’s vaccines,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in a  statement.

The CDC encourages pregnant women to receive vaccinations, as they are at a higher risk for developing complications in infected. The CDC also adds that children younger than 6-months are not approved for the vaccine.

Will you and your family receive the vaccination?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

sick woman laying on couch
How to Handle the Flu While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman suffering from a cold at home
How to Combat Colds During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman taking her temperature
How to Safely Treat a Fever During Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
person sudsing their hands before washing
Here’s How to Wash Your Hands Properly
By Liz Callahan Schnabolk
How to Cope With a Sinus Infection During Pregnancy
How to Cope With a Sinus Infection During Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
Graves' Disease During Pregnancy
Graves' Disease During Pregnancy
By Vera T. Fajtova, MD, endocrinologist at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Boston and assistant professor of clinical medicine at Harvard University
pregnant woman sitting at doctor's office
The Flu Shot Is an Easy and Effective Way for Pregnant Women to Protect Themselves and Baby
By Fiona Havers, MD, MHS
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman filling out forms at doctor's office
Pregnant Women Who Get a Flu Shot Reduce Risk of Hospitalization by an Insane Amount
By Stephanie Grassullo
Is the Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?
Is the Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?
By Christin Perry
pregnant woman getting flu shot
ACOG Releases New Guidelines for Flu Shots During Pregnancy
By Anisa Arsenault
ADVERTISEMENT
mom who was diagnosed with cancer during her pregnancy, with her newborn baby and partner.
My Cancer Diagnosis During Pregnancy Saved My Life
By Julianna Guevara
woman with cystic fibrosis tells her story of getting pregnant
My Cystic Fibrosis Pregnancy Defied the Odds
By Maxine Craig
pregnant woman wondering if viruses and colds are dangerous to her unborn baby
Q&A: Are Viruses Like Cold or Flu a Danger to My Unborn Baby?
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
close-up pregnant belly
Fifth Disease During Pregnancy
By Jennifer L.W. Fink
pregnant woman hands belly
Pregnant? Here’s Why the Flu Shot Is a Really Good Idea
By Anisa Arsenault
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis
By Jennifer L.W. Fink
Chlamydia During Pregnancy
Chlamydia During Pregnancy
By Sharon Phelan, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Thrombophlebitis During Pregnancy
Thrombophlebitis During Pregnancy
By Deborah Ottenheimer, MD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) During Pregnancy
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) During Pregnancy
By Rebecca Kolp, MD
Lyme Disease During Pregnancy
Lyme Disease During Pregnancy
By Jennifer L.W. Fink
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List