Why is the flu vaccine necessary for pregnant women?

The German Professional Association of Gynecologists said that influenza can take a severe course in pregnant women and cause serious complications, due to their weak immune systems.

To avoid these serious consequences, the association recommended that pregnant women receive the flu vaccination, noting that the vaccination provides protection not only for the mother, but also for her child, as the resulting antibodies are transmitted to the fetus via the placenta.

Protection for mother and child

Thanks to the so-called "nest protection", the child is better protected against influenza in the first months after birth. Premature births and developmental disorders are also less common when pregnant women are vaccinated against influenza.

Important advice for mothers

For its part, the Permanent Vaccination Committee in Germany recommends receiving the flu vaccination in the second trimester of pregnancy.

If there are health concerns or previous illnesses, it is advisable to do so in the first three months of pregnancy.