What should a pregnant woman do before flu season?

Getting an injectable flu vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women before flu season because it is an effective way to protect both the mother and the developing fetus from influenza. The injectable vaccine, which contains inactivated virus, is safe for use during pregnancy and promotes maternal antibody production. These antibodies can be transferred to the fetus, providing some degree of immunity to the newborn in the first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable to serious flu-related complications.

In contrast, the nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women due to the live attenuated virus it contains, which poses potential risks during pregnancy. Avoiding all vaccines altogether is not advisable, as it leaves pregnant women unprotected against influenza, which can lead to more severe illness during pregnancy. Lastly, delaying vaccination until after delivery puts both the mother and newborn at risk during the flu season when maternal immunity would be beneficial to the infant's health. Therefore, receiving the injectable flu vaccine is the best practice for protecting both the mother and her baby during flu season.