Flu shot for pregnant women

In many surrounding countries, pregnant women have been offered the flu shot for years. Since 2021, the flu shot has also been offered in the Netherlands, this year to all pregnant women who are at least 22 weeks pregnant after October 15. You can get you flu shot between October 15, 2024 and March 1, 2025 at the Parent and Child Team (JGZ) in your area. You can visit their walk-in consultation hours or schedule an appointment. You may combine the flu shot with the 22-week (whooping cough) vaccination, so you are ready in one visit.

Pregnant women have an equal chance of getting the flu compared to non-pregnant women. But on average they do become slightly sicker. A flu shot reduces the chance of getting the flu. The chance that a newborn baby will get the flu is also smaller if the mother received a flu shot during pregnancy, because the baby has received antibodies (= protection) via the placenta. Visit the RIVM website for more detailed information.

Because pregnant women don't get as sick from Corona as they did a few years ago, the corona vaccination is no longer necessary for all pregnant women. If you are invited by your GP every year for the flu shot (for example because you have asthma), or if you work in healthcare; then the advice is to get a corona shot in the autumn. You can make an appointment at the GGD