Adverse events in pregnant women following administration of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and live attenuated influenza vaccine in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2009

Trends in Influenza Vaccine Coverage in Pregnant Women, 2008 to 2012

“…[11][12][13][14] The inactivated influenza vaccine is considered both safe and effective to use during pregnancy. [15][16][17][18][19][20] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have recommended that pregnant women receive seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccinations, regardless of trimester. 21,22 There is also evidence that infants of vaccinated mothers have increased passive immunity, as well as significantly fewer influenza infections and hospitalizations than infants of unvaccinated mothers.…”

Influenza immunization during pregnancy: Benefits for mother and infant

“…69 These data from passive vaccine safety reporting systems indicate that any potential vaccine-associated health complications are exceedingly rare. 70 A detailed systematic review evaluating the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy concluded that the use of inactivated influenza vaccine did not increase risk of fetal death, spontaneous abortion, or congenital malformations. 71 In 2006, the GACVS urged WHO to consider recommendations for maternal seasonal inactivated influenza vaccination given the high risk to the mother from influenza and the small potential risk to mother and fetus.…”

Maternal immunization

“…Multiple studies document the immunogenicity [27][28][29] and safety 30,31 of maternal influenza vaccination. Studies of seasonal 32 and pandemic 33,34 influenza vaccination in the United States and abroad suggest that exposure to the influenza vaccine during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with obstetric or fetal complications. [35][36][37][38] In fact, maternal immunization may reduce rates of preterm birth and suboptimal growth among infants of vaccinated mothers.…”

“…67,87 Reassuringly, patients' focus on potential vaccine harm comes at a time of growing data about the benefits and safety of maternal vaccination for babies. 32,33,35,[39][40][41] Emphasizing the benefits of maternal immunization, including its safety and absence of fetal harm, should help decrease the perceived cost of maternal immunizations.…”