I am in my 6th week of pregnancy. Can I go get the flu shot now or wait until the 2nd trimester?

Good evening Madam,

In Quebec, only pregnant women who have reached the 2nd and 3rd trimester are eligible to receive the flu vaccine. This is at least partly because some studies have shown us a slightly greater risk of malformations in unborn babies when the vaccine was given during the first trimester (especially in the neural tube).

So it is possible to wait until the 2nd trimester before receiving the vaccine. In the meantime, try to put all the chances on your side by avoiding contact with infected people and having good hand hygiene.

Good evening,

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist