Defend Together: A Conversation about Flu Vaccines and Pregnancy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the burden of influenza (flu) in the United States is significant – leading to 26 million illnesses, 290,000 hospitalizations, and up to 19,000 deaths during the last flu season. Getting the flu during pregnancy increases the risk of developing serious illness, pregnancy complications, and hospitalization. Even at optimum health, changes in the body during pregnancy can increase the risk for severe illness in people who get the flu.

A survey of the 2021-2022 flu season found a decrease in vaccine coverage in pregnant women by 54% from the previous season. Vaccine hesitancy is contributing factor, with pregnant people reporting concerns about the safety risks of flu and other vaccines to the baby.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) hosted an Instagram Live event with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) expert to share educational information and discuss the benefits of the flu vaccine for women and their families, with a focus on pregnant populations.