Our doctors recommend the flu shot for fertility patients
As we enter flu season, the doctors at our Tennessee fertility center recommend the flu shot for fertility patients. This effective vaccination can help patients avoid health issues that can delay or negatively affect their fertility care. In addition, the flu shot can help ensure women avoid serious illness during pregnancy.
The benefits of the flu shot for fertility patients
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot for all patients who are trying to conceive. According to the CDC, between 2019 and 2020 the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza illnesses, 105,000 flu-associated hospitalizations and 6,300 influenza deaths.
The CDC also reports that the flu shot can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with the flu by 40% to 60%.
In addition to these findings, there are other reasons why we recommend the flu shot for fertility patients.
The flu shot helps prevent a delay in your fertility care. As doctors at our Tennessee fertility center often advise patients to pause fertility treatments if they contract the flu, receiving the flu shot can prevent a shift in the timeline of care.
The flu shot is safe to receive when undergoing fertility treatments. Patients can rest assured that the flu shot has not been found to have any negative effects on fertility treatments.
For these reasons, our clinic recommends that patients consider receiving the flu shot.
How the flu shot is helpful after a woman becomes pregnant
If fertility treatments result in a pregnancy during flu season, receiving the flu shot can improve a woman’s chance of having a healthy pregnancy. The CDC has found that there are numerous ways the flu shot helps to protect pregnant people.
Lower chance of acute respiratory infection. The flu shot reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant people by about half.
Reduced risk of hospitalization. Pregnant women have a significantly reduced chance of requiring being hospitalized with the flu after receiving the flu shot.
Provides protection for the baby. In addition to protecting the mother from the flu, a flu shot provides protection for the baby for several months after birth. This is especially helpful if the baby is due during flu season.
The specialists at our Tennessee fertility center also recommend patients receive the COVID vaccine. This vaccination can provide invaluable protection against a serious illness that can significantly affect a patient’s health during pregnancy.
Our team is here to help you navigate how to maintain optimal health throughout your fertility care and flu season. Contact us for more information about the flu shot for fertility patients.
