![\"Should](\"https:\/\/www.womenshealthkc.com\/images\/Blog\/Should_I_Get_the_Flu_COVID_and_RSV_Vaccines_During_Pregnancy.jpg\")
Should I Get the Flu, COVID, and RSV Vaccines During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\nYes \u2014 and here\u2019s why.<\/strong> At Women\u2019s Health Associates in Overland Park, we understand pregnancy is an exciting yet vulnerable time. While your body is working hard to grow a healthy baby, your immune system is naturally weaker, which makes it easier to catch illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).<\/p>\nThe good news? Safe, effective vaccines can help protect both you and your baby. Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n
Why the Flu Shot Matters During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h2>\nProtecting Mom\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/h3>\nPregnancy changes your immune system, lungs, and heart, which can make the flu hit harder. A flu shot reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even complications like preterm labor.<\/p>\n
Protecting Baby\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen you get the flu vaccine, your body creates antibodies that pass through the placenta. That means your newborn is protected during their first few months of life \u2014 before they\u2019re old enough for their own flu shot.<\/p>\n
Easy Access in Overland Park<\/strong><\/h3>\nAt Women\u2019s Health Associates, flu shots are offered at routine prenatal visits. No extra appointments, no hassle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting your flu vaccine while pregnant is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby,\u201d says Dr. Ana Martinez<\/a>, OBGYN at Women\u2019s Health Associates. \u201cIt not only keeps you healthier during pregnancy, but also provides your newborn with early immunity.\u201d<\/p>\nCOVID-19 Vaccines: Extra Protection for Moms-to-Be<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the height of the pandemic has passed, COVID is still circulating. Pregnancy increases your risk of serious complications, which is why the CDC and ACOG<\/a> recommend vaccination.<\/p>\nWhy It\u2019s Important<\/strong><\/h3>\nPregnant women are more likely to face severe illness, which may raise the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.<\/p>\n
Benefits for Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\nJust like with the flu, antibodies from your COVID vaccine cross the placenta. This gives your newborn added protection in those critical early months.<\/p>\n
Personalized Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nYour provider will talk with you about the best time to receive your vaccine, considering your trimester, health history, and previous doses.<\/p>\n
RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: A New Layer of Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\nRSV is a common virus, but it can be very serious in young infants. In 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy<\/a>, specifically designed to protect babies right after birth.<\/p>\nWhy It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\nRSV can cause severe breathing problems in infants, sometimes requiring hospitalization.<\/p>\n
Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe vaccine is typically given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to maximize antibody transfer.<\/p>\n
How It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\nLike the flu shot, the RSV vaccine helps your body build antibodies that pass to your baby before birth.<\/p>\n
The good news? Safe, effective vaccines can help protect both you and your baby. Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n
Why the Flu Shot Matters During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h2>\nProtecting Mom\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/h3>\nPregnancy changes your immune system, lungs, and heart, which can make the flu hit harder. A flu shot reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even complications like preterm labor.<\/p>\n
Protecting Baby\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen you get the flu vaccine, your body creates antibodies that pass through the placenta. That means your newborn is protected during their first few months of life \u2014 before they\u2019re old enough for their own flu shot.<\/p>\n
Easy Access in Overland Park<\/strong><\/h3>\nAt Women\u2019s Health Associates, flu shots are offered at routine prenatal visits. No extra appointments, no hassle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting your flu vaccine while pregnant is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby,\u201d says Dr. Ana Martinez<\/a>, OBGYN at Women\u2019s Health Associates. \u201cIt not only keeps you healthier during pregnancy, but also provides your newborn with early immunity.\u201d<\/p>\nCOVID-19 Vaccines: Extra Protection for Moms-to-Be<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the height of the pandemic has passed, COVID is still circulating. Pregnancy increases your risk of serious complications, which is why the CDC and ACOG<\/a> recommend vaccination.<\/p>\nWhy It\u2019s Important<\/strong><\/h3>\nPregnant women are more likely to face severe illness, which may raise the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.<\/p>\n
Benefits for Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\nJust like with the flu, antibodies from your COVID vaccine cross the placenta. This gives your newborn added protection in those critical early months.<\/p>\n
Personalized Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nYour provider will talk with you about the best time to receive your vaccine, considering your trimester, health history, and previous doses.<\/p>\n
RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: A New Layer of Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\nRSV is a common virus, but it can be very serious in young infants. In 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy<\/a>, specifically designed to protect babies right after birth.<\/p>\nWhy It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\nRSV can cause severe breathing problems in infants, sometimes requiring hospitalization.<\/p>\n
Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe vaccine is typically given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to maximize antibody transfer.<\/p>\n
How It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\nLike the flu shot, the RSV vaccine helps your body build antibodies that pass to your baby before birth.<\/p>\n
Pregnancy changes your immune system, lungs, and heart, which can make the flu hit harder. A flu shot reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even complications like preterm labor.<\/p>\n
Protecting Baby\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhen you get the flu vaccine, your body creates antibodies that pass through the placenta. That means your newborn is protected during their first few months of life \u2014 before they\u2019re old enough for their own flu shot.<\/p>\n
Easy Access in Overland Park<\/strong><\/h3>\nAt Women\u2019s Health Associates, flu shots are offered at routine prenatal visits. No extra appointments, no hassle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting your flu vaccine while pregnant is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby,\u201d says Dr. Ana Martinez<\/a>, OBGYN at Women\u2019s Health Associates. \u201cIt not only keeps you healthier during pregnancy, but also provides your newborn with early immunity.\u201d<\/p>\nCOVID-19 Vaccines: Extra Protection for Moms-to-Be<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the height of the pandemic has passed, COVID is still circulating. Pregnancy increases your risk of serious complications, which is why the CDC and ACOG<\/a> recommend vaccination.<\/p>\nWhy It\u2019s Important<\/strong><\/h3>\nPregnant women are more likely to face severe illness, which may raise the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.<\/p>\n
Benefits for Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\nJust like with the flu, antibodies from your COVID vaccine cross the placenta. This gives your newborn added protection in those critical early months.<\/p>\n
Personalized Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nYour provider will talk with you about the best time to receive your vaccine, considering your trimester, health history, and previous doses.<\/p>\n
RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: A New Layer of Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\nRSV is a common virus, but it can be very serious in young infants. In 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy<\/a>, specifically designed to protect babies right after birth.<\/p>\nWhy It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\nRSV can cause severe breathing problems in infants, sometimes requiring hospitalization.<\/p>\n
Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe vaccine is typically given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to maximize antibody transfer.<\/p>\n
How It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\nLike the flu shot, the RSV vaccine helps your body build antibodies that pass to your baby before birth.<\/p>\n
At Women\u2019s Health Associates, flu shots are offered at routine prenatal visits. No extra appointments, no hassle.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting your flu vaccine while pregnant is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby,\u201d says Dr. Ana Martinez<\/a>, OBGYN at Women\u2019s Health Associates. \u201cIt not only keeps you healthier during pregnancy, but also provides your newborn with early immunity.\u201d<\/p>\n Even though the height of the pandemic has passed, COVID is still circulating. Pregnancy increases your risk of serious complications, which is why the CDC and ACOG<\/a> recommend vaccination.<\/p>\n Pregnant women are more likely to face severe illness, which may raise the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.<\/p>\n Just like with the flu, antibodies from your COVID vaccine cross the placenta. This gives your newborn added protection in those critical early months.<\/p>\n Your provider will talk with you about the best time to receive your vaccine, considering your trimester, health history, and previous doses.<\/p>\n RSV is a common virus, but it can be very serious in young infants. In 2023, the FDA approved the first RSV vaccine for use during pregnancy<\/a>, specifically designed to protect babies right after birth.<\/p>\n RSV can cause severe breathing problems in infants, sometimes requiring hospitalization.<\/p>\n The vaccine is typically given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to maximize antibody transfer.<\/p>\n Like the flu shot, the RSV vaccine helps your body build antibodies that pass to your baby before birth.<\/p>\nCOVID-19 Vaccines: Extra Protection for Moms-to-Be<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why It\u2019s Important<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Benefits for Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Personalized Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: A New Layer of Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Timing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n