Pregnant and influenza vaccine

Pregnant and influenza vaccine

Influenza is not usually a risk for young, healthy women but can be during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of complications, which is why the Danish Health and Medicines Authority recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated against influenza when they are more than 12 weeks old.

Protects against complications

Studies have shown that pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters have an increased risk of complications associated with the flu, such as pneumonia or, in sporadic cases: miscarriage or premature birth.

If you, as a pregnant woman, have a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, weakened immune system, or lung function, there is a greater risk of complications from the flu. If you have a chronic illness, you can be vaccinated free of charge until the 12th week.

The child forms antibodies

When you get vaccinated against the flu, you benefit from having your child protected by the antibodies you make. It gives a lower risk of the child getting sick with the flu.

It is quite a safe vaccination with a shallow risk of side effects. It is also a vaccine used in many other countries around the world.

Free flu vaccine

In winter, the influenza vaccine is free for pregnant women more than 12 weeks into their pregnancy. This applies in the period 01 October to 28 February. Of course, it is also possible to be vaccinated for the rest of the year, but it is not free here.

To get the best possible protection, it is best to get vaccinated before the flu season starts, as it takes 2-3 weeks before the effect takes effect. You are not protected even if you have had the flu before or have previously received a vaccine. It only covers for a limited time as several types of flu can mutate yearly.

If you want to get the vaccine, you can book an appointment with your doctor.