- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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Question
Seasonal flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
Is it safe to get a flu shot during pregnancy?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Yes, it's safe to get an influenza (flu) shot during pregnancy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seasonal flu shots for anyone who will be pregnant during flu season — typically November through March — unless you have a severe allergy to eggs or you've had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccination.
Pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Pregnancy can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. In turn, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy complications. A seasonal flu shot can help prevent these potential problems.
When you get your flu shot, be sure to request the flu shot and not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus, so it's safe for both mother and baby during any stage of pregnancy. The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live virus, which makes it less appropriate during pregnancy. Both the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine are OK before pregnancy, but conception should be avoided for four weeks after vaccination.
Keep in mind that the seasonal flu vaccine isn't expected to offer protection from swine flu (novel H1N1 influenza). In the United States, every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan for a separate novel H1N1 vaccine. The novel H1N1 vaccine may be given on the same day as the seasonal flu vaccine — with priority given to pregnant women and others at high risk of complications from the flu. If availability of the novel H1N1 vaccine is delayed in your area, go ahead with the seasonal flu shot rather than wait for both vaccines to be available.
Next questionAnkle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
- Immunization and pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/downloads/f_preg_chart.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2009.
- Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm. Accessed Aug. 28, 2009.
- Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Aug. 28, 2009.
- Pregnant women and novel influenza A (H1N1) considerations for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm. Accessed May 19, 2009.
