ABC6: Pregnant Women Are Urged to Get a Flu Shot

Marquetta Cunningham is pregnant with twins and this flu season, she is doing something to protect herself and her babies - she is getting a flu shot.  

“Especially since they'll be born in the wintertime. That they are safe and healthy as well and protected against any viruses,” said Cunningham.

Anita Somani, MD, an OB/GYN, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and Comprehensive Women’s Care, told ABC6 reporter Rodney Dunigan that it’s especially important for pregnant women to get their flu vaccine to protect them and their baby.

“When a baby is born, a baby can’t get a flu vaccine for 6 months,” said Dr. Somani

Flu vaccines help the baby by passing antibodies from the mom to the fetus to protect it until it is old enough to receive a vaccine.

Pregnant women are most at risk during flu season. There are “much higher incidents of death, unfortunately, if you get the flu when you are pregnant,” Dr. Somani told ABC6.

Flu vaccines are safe to get during any trimester and with peak flu season being between December and February, now is the time to get the vaccine.

“Vaccines are actually protective and the flu vaccine is one that is not a live vaccine. It is an inactive vaccine, so those are safe to do,” said Dr. Somani.

A recent CDC report showed that many pregnant women are still not receiving the flu vaccine. So make sure you are protecting yourself and your baby during this flu season by getting your flu shot.

“It’s quick, it’s easy. I’d rather have that few seconds of pain than being hospitalized, “said Cunningham.

Need a flu shot? Click here to find an OhioHealth Urgent Care or an OhioHealth Primary Care physician near you.

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