Is the influenza vaccine safe during pregnancy? Also, is it safe for pregnant people to receive vaccines with thimerosal?

Pregnant people should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine (given by injection). There is good evidence to show the flu shot is safe for pregnant people and their babies. In BC, influenza vaccine may be provided by prenatal care providers including family doctors and midwives, but can also be provided by specialty prenatal care service providers and by community-based pharmacists, or at the local health unit. Read more in our pregnancy section.

Thimerosal is in multi-dose vials only, but the amount of thimerosal in flu vaccines is very low. The ingredients in vaccines have been carefully studied for a long time and are safe in the small amounts used in vaccines. Pregnant people can receive an influenza vaccine with thimerosal unless the person has a systemic allergy to thimerosal. Read more in our safety section.

If you have further questions, we recommend you speak to your pregnancy care provider.