Is it safe to get the flu vaccine while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Get the Flu Vaccine While Breastfeeding?
As the flu season approaches, many new mothers may wonder about the safety of receiving the flu vaccine while breastfeeding. The good news is that health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affirm that it is indeed safe for breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated against influenza.
Safety of the Flu Vaccine for Breastfeeding Mothers
The CDC has consistently stated that immunizations, including the flu vaccine, are safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women. A significant body of research supports this claim, indicating that receiving the flu shot does not pose any risk to breastfeeding mothers or their infants. In fact, the vaccine can provide crucial protection not only to the mother but also to her baby, who cannot be vaccinated until they are at least six months old.
A large study conducted in 2017 found no increased risk of major birth defects among babies whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy, further reinforcing the safety of vaccines during this sensitive period. This evidence extends to breastfeeding, where the benefits of vaccination are clear. By getting vaccinated, mothers can help shield their infants from the flu through the antibodies passed in breast milk.
Benefits of Vaccination
Breastfeeding mothers who receive the flu vaccine can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the virus, which is particularly important given that influenza can lead to severe complications in both mothers and infants. The flu vaccine not only protects the mother but also helps create a layer of immunity for the baby through breast milk, which is tailored to provide essential antibodies.
Moreover, the CDC emphasizes that there is no need to interrupt breastfeeding after receiving the vaccine. Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding as usual, as the benefits of breast milk in providing immunity far outweigh any potential concerns about the vaccine.
Conclusion
In summary, it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to receive the flu vaccine. The vaccine not only protects the mother but also extends vital immunity to her infant, making it a crucial step in safeguarding both their health during flu season. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to address any specific concerns and to ensure they are making the best choices for their health and that of their baby.

What flu medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Although there’s limited data on antiviral flu meds taken while breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends nursing parents with the flu (confirmed or suspected) take antivirals, with oral oseltamivir being the preferred pick. Research shows that very little transfers to 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 a flu shot safe during pregnancy?

Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant people over more than 50 years with an excellent safety record. There is substantial evidence that flu shots are safe during pregnancy for mom and baby. CDC and ACIP recommend that pregnant people get vaccinated during any trimester of their pregnancy.

Which vaccines to 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.

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.

Will my baby get antibodies from my flu shot?

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.

Can flu shot affect 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.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass flu to a baby?

Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk.

Is it okay to get a flu shot while breastfeeding?

Flu Vaccine Safety for Breastfeeding Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers, flu vaccine safety is as important as for anyone else. The good news is, it’s entirely safe for eligible women to receive the influenza jab while breastfeeding, provided they meet the necessary criteria, such as having a long-term health condition.

Is it safe to take flu medicine while breastfeeding?

Can I take flu medication while breastfeeding? Yes. Although there’s limited data on antiviral flu meds taken while breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends nursing parents with the flu (confirmed or suspected) take antivirals, with oral oseltamivir being the preferred pick.