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Flu Shot During Fertility Treatments?

Should I get a flu shot during fertility treatments?

Now that flu season is upon us, and we keep hearing the question, “Should I get the flu shot if I am pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant?”  The answer is “YES!” with very few exceptions when it comes to getting the flu shot during fertility treatments.

According to the CDC, “…No evidence exists of risk from vaccinating pregnant women with inactivated virus or bacterial vaccines or toxoids. Live vaccines pose a theoretical risk to the fetus. Benefits of vaccinating pregnant women usually outweigh potential risks when the likelihood of disease exposure is high. Also, when infection would pose a risk to the mother or fetus, and when the vaccine is unlikely to cause harm.”

What to know about the flu shot

Women who are planning to become pregnant or are all ready pregnant should receive the flu from inactivated virus. However, they should avoid the live attenuated virus, which is generally delivered via an inhaled aerosol.  The most common vaccine that should NOT be administered during pregnancy or in the 4 weeks preceding pregnancy is the MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella). This is because it is from live virus.

Looking beyond getting the flu shot during fertility treatment

The next question, especially in Austin, is what medicines are safe to take for allergies since now is the time for ragweed, pigweed, milkweed and soon cedar.  Medications that relieve symptoms such as antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin), decongestants (Sudafed) and fever reducers and analgesics (Tylenol) are all safe.

If you take any other prescription medicines for allergies, please be sure to ask your physician if they are safe during pregnancy.  Otherwise, grab the Kleenex and eye drops, head outside, and enjoy the fabulous October weather.

Contact us if you have any other questions about these topics.

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