Drug InfoNet Doctors' Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Flu Shots

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Pregnancy and flu shot
Question: I have a question regarding the flu shot and pregnancy. My wife is pregnant and she got a flu shot about 10 days after conception. Are there any statistics or do you have any comments on this issue? Can you tell me if there are any risks and what they would be?

Answer: This has not been ever researched. However, due to the incidence of influenza and the influenza shot there is indirect evidence. That is, many women have been in the same situation. There is currently not thought to be any particular increased risk to influenza infection during pregnancy in terms of fetal damage or mutation. Research has not been done here and will not be done. I doubt it is of any concern.

Flu shots
Question: At what age should an adult receive flu shots?

Answer: The U.S. Public Health Services recommend influenza vaccination for any individual older than 6 months who is at increased risk of influenza. These include individuals with chronic heart and lung problems and residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. Otherwise, healthy individuals over 65 years of age and individuals who have Diabetes Mellitus, renal disease or immunosuppression.

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