Getting vaccinated against influenza (flu) in your first trimester will protect both you and your baby from a virus that can have serious complications. It is recommended that you get vaccinated against flu in every pregnancy.
The influenza vaccine is free for all pregnant women in Australia.
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy is safe.
Influenza
Getting vaccinated against influenza (commonly called ‘the flu’) in your first trimester will protect both you and your baby from one of the most common and highly contagious viral infections that can have serious complications.
Babies can’t be vaccinated against influenza until they are six months old. Until then, the vaccine you get during pregnancy will provide the best early protection from the influenza virus.
The vaccine is free for all pregnant women in Australia, and is recommended to be given during every pregnancy.
There’s no need to do anything special to get ready for your vaccination. You can get the influenza vaccine at any time during your pregnancy and at any time of the year.
The midwife or trained immunisation nurse at your antenatal clinic may be able to vaccinate you against influenza. If not, you can go to your GP, local council clinic or pharmacy. Most GPs will need you to make an appointment if you require a vaccine.
Most people have no reaction to the influenza vaccine. Some people have mild reactions that last between 12 and 24 hours and are easily treated at home.
If your symptoms last longer than a couple of days, or if you are worried about how you feel after your vaccination, you can get help from your doctor, or your nearest emergency department, or by calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
A very small number of people have a severe allergic reaction to vaccines called ‘anaphylaxis’, where they can develop swelling, hives, breathing difficulties, lowered blood pressure and in severe cases, shock. Anaphylactic reactions are very rare – they occur in about one in a million people who have a vaccination.1 Midwives, nurses and GPs are trained to respond to an anaphylactic reaction with quick delivery of adrenaline.
It is strongly recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated against whooping cough (also known as pertussis) in the second or third trimester, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
If you have not yet had an influenza vaccination by the end of your first trimester of pregnancy, you are able to have it in your second trimester.
You can find more information on vaccination in pregnancy and at birth in our Resources section, and on these pages:
If you still have some questions remaining, write them down so that you can ask your midwife, nurse or GP at your next appointment.
