Is it safe to get a flu shot while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Get a Flu Shot While Breastfeeding?
As the flu season approaches, many new mothers may wonder about the safety of receiving a flu vaccination while breastfeeding. The good news is that health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affirm that getting a flu shot while breastfeeding is not only safe but also beneficial for both mothers and their infants.
Safety of the Flu Vaccine for Breastfeeding Mothers
According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants aged six months and older. When mothers receive the flu vaccine, they develop antibodies that are transmitted to their infants through breast milk, providing an additional layer of protection against influenza. This transfer of antibodies is crucial, as it helps bolster the infant’s immune system during a vulnerable period.
Moreover, the CDC emphasizes that the flu vaccine does not adversely affect the safety of breastfeeding or the health of the infant. In fact, breastfeeding itself does not hinder the mother’s immune response to the vaccine. This means that mothers can confidently receive the flu shot without worrying about compromising their breastfeeding relationship or their baby’s health.
Importance of Vaccination
The flu can lead to serious complications, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia can arise from influenza, posing risks not only to the mother but also to the infant. Therefore, health experts strongly recommend that breastfeeding mothers get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies from the flu and its potential complications.
Recommendations and Considerations
While the flu shot is safe, it is important for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers regarding their specific health circumstances. The CDC advises that breastfeeding mothers should receive the injectable flu vaccine rather than the nasal spray, as the latter is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
In summary, the consensus among health professionals is clear: breastfeeding mothers can safely receive the flu vaccine, which not only protects them but also helps safeguard their infants through the transfer of antibodies. As flu season approaches, getting vaccinated is a proactive step that mothers can take to ensure the health and well-being of their families.

Which vaccines should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a contraindication for smallpox vaccination, and yellow fever vaccine should be avoided in breastfeeding women if possible. Other vaccines should not affect the safety of breastfeeding and can be given to breastfeeding women if otherwise indicated.

Can the flu dry up breast milk?

“Don’t worry about your breast milk supply – you will keep producing it. Just don’t stop breastfeeding abruptly as you’ll run the risk of getting mastitis,” Sarah adds. Good hygiene is important to minimize the risk of spreading the illness.

Does a flu shot pass antibodies to a 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.

Does a flu shot affect breast milk supply?

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 a flu shot affect a baby?

Review of reports to the Vaccine Adverse Reporting System (VAERS)12 found no evidence to suggest a link between pregnancy complications or adverse fetal outcomes among pregnant women and flu shots.

How to boost baby’s immune system while breastfeeding?

What can I do to strengthen my baby’s immune system? Feeding an infant breastmilk is the best thing you can do to help them build up these natural defenses. Ideally, baby will consume only breastmilk for the first six months. Once they graduate to solids, offer them fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass flu to a baby?

Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk.

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 I get a flu shot and be around a newborn?

Family and caregiver vaccine timing
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.

When is the best time to get a flu shot during pregnancy?

CDC and ACIP recommend that pregnant people get vaccinated during any trimester of their pregnancy.