Does the flu vaccine pass through breast milk?

Understanding the Flu Vaccine and Breast Milk
As the flu season approaches, many nursing mothers may wonder about the implications of receiving the flu vaccine, particularly regarding its effects on breastfeeding and the potential transfer of vaccine components through breast milk. Recent insights from health organizations and studies provide clarity on this important topic.
Vaccine Safety for Nursing Mothers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various health professional organizations have consistently affirmed that vaccines administered to nursing mothers do not pose a risk to breastfeeding. Specifically, the flu vaccine is deemed safe for mothers and their infants, and breastfeeding is not a contraindication for receiving the vaccine. This means that mothers can confidently get vaccinated without worrying about harming their breastfeeding relationship or their baby’s health.
Antibody Transfer Through Breast Milk
One of the most significant benefits of the flu vaccine for breastfeeding mothers is the transfer of antibodies to their infants. When a mother receives the influenza vaccine, her body produces antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can be passed to the baby through breast milk, providing the infant with some level of protection against the flu. This passive immunity is crucial, especially for infants who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Continued Breastfeeding During Illness
In cases where a mother contracts the flu, health experts encourage her to continue breastfeeding. Breast milk is uniquely designed to provide essential nutrients and antibodies that help infants combat infections. Even if a mother is ill, her milk continues to offer protective benefits, which can be particularly vital during flu outbreaks.
Conclusion
In summary, the flu vaccine is not only safe for breastfeeding mothers but also beneficial for their infants. The antibodies generated from the vaccine can be transferred through breast milk, enhancing the baby’s immunity against influenza. Therefore, nursing mothers are encouraged to get vaccinated, ensuring both their health and that of their little ones during the flu season.

Does flu shot immunity pass to baby?

Flu vaccination during pregnancy also can protect babies for several months after birth against flu and flu-related hospitalizations because the pregnant parent passes antibodies on to the developing baby during pregnancy.

What vaccines should be avoided while breastfeeding?

According to the ACIP’s General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization in Special Situations, except for smallpox and yellow fever vaccines, neither inactivated nor live-virus vaccines administered to a lactating woman affect the safety of breastfeeding for women or their infants.

Does vaccine immunity go through breastmilk?

COVID-19 vaccine
There has been no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to either breastfeeding women who have received a vaccine or to their babies. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breast milk.

Can my breastfed baby get the flu from me?

If you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having influenza, you should take care to avoid spreading the virus to your baby while you continue to breastfeed. Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk.

How long after flu vaccine are antibodies in breast milk?

Human milk anti-influenza IgA levels in milk were maintained at a significantly higher level in those who received the influenza vaccine for at least 6 months after delivery compared to controls (52). In addition to IgA, anti-influenza IgM and IgG are also present in milk but at lower levels (53).

Is it safe to breastfeed after a flu shot?

There is no risk of harm to a baby if a mother receives a flu vaccination, only a health benefit! Preventing the flu in mothers can reduce the chance that the infant will be exposed to the flu and get it.

Can I breastfeed after a flu shot?

There is no risk of harm to a baby if a mother receives a flu vaccination, only a health benefit!

Can my baby get sick from my breast milk if I’m sick?

So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

Will the flu shot affect my breastfed baby?

Yes, either a flu shot or nasal spray flu vaccine should be given to breastfeeding mothers. There is no risk of harm to a baby if a mother receives a flu vaccination, only a health benefit! Preventing the flu in mothers can reduce the chance that the infant will be exposed to the flu and get it.

Can you be around a newborn after getting a flu shot?

Anyone who needs the whooping cough or flu vaccines should get them at least two weeks before meeting the baby because it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies after vaccination.