Flu and RSV during pregnancy in Lancaster deserve extra attention because respiratory infections can affect expectant parents and newborns. For the 2026–2027 season, health officials recommend seasonal flu vaccination during pregnancy and RSV protection for eligible babies. Timing matters. Your prenatal team can help you understand your options and identify symptoms that warrant a prompt call.
Why Flu and RSV During Pregnancy in Lancaster Matter
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to certain infections. Influenza can cause more serious illness during pregnancy, including complications requiring hospital care. RSV is also a common respiratory virus, and severe RSV illness is a particular concern for young infants.
Fortunately, prevention and prompt medical advice can make a meaningful difference. That begins with knowing which vaccines apply, when they are offered, and whom to call if you feel unwell.
The CDC’s vaccine recommendations for pregnancy summarize the main protections. Because vaccine guidance can change, review the current recommendations with your own clinician before acting.
What Should Pregnant Patients Know About the Flu Shot?
For the 2026–2027 flu season, CDC guidance recommends an inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The nasal-spray live influenza vaccine should not be used during pregnancy.
You can receive the recommended flu vaccine during any trimester. Therefore, you generally do not need to wait for a particular week of pregnancy.
According to CDC’s 2026–2027 clinical flu-vaccine guidance, vaccination during pregnancy can reduce flu illness in the pregnant patient and provide some protection to the infant after birth.
What If You Already Had the Flu?
Previous illness does not automatically replace seasonal vaccine recommendations. Flu viruses change, and vaccine composition changes from season to season. Ask your clinician about the right timing based on your health and recent illness.
How Does RSV Protection Work for Newborns?
RSV prevention has a different schedule. For eligible pregnant patients, the CDC describes an Abrysvo vaccine window from weeks 32 through 36, during September through January. However, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine updated its 2026 recommendation to allow seasonal vaccination through March 1. Ask your clinician which guidance applies to your pregnancy.
There is also an infant antibody option. In general, families use either eligible maternal vaccination or infant immunization to help protect a baby from severe RSV illness. Most babies do not need both.
Important Timing and Product Details
Not every RSV vaccine is approved for use during pregnancy. CDC identifies Abrysvo as the maternal vaccine. It also does not currently recommend repeating maternal RSV vaccination in a later pregnancy if a person received it previously.
The CDC clinical guidance on maternal RSV vaccination explains its recommendations. SMFM’s 2026–2027 respiratory season guidance also addresses the extended vaccination window. Talk with your prenatal and pediatric teams about the right strategy for your baby.
What If You Get Sick While Pregnant?
Flu symptoms can begin suddenly and include fever, cough, body aches, chills, and fatigue. RSV and other respiratory infections may cause overlapping symptoms. Consequently, symptoms alone may not tell you which virus is responsible.
If you are pregnant and develop possible flu symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Do not wait several days to see whether symptoms improve before asking for advice.
The CDC’s flu and pregnancy guidance recommends prompt evaluation and antiviral treatment for suspected or confirmed influenza during pregnancy. According to ACOG’s guidelines, If you’re pregnant or gave birth within the past two weeks and had close contact with someone who has the flu, your healthcare provider may consider prescribing antiviral medicine to help prevent you from getting sick. If prescribed, it should be started within 48 hours of exposure.
Early treatment can be especially helpful.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, severe confusion, or other serious symptoms require emergency evaluation. In addition, contact your obstetric team immediately for reduced fetal movement, significant bleeding, or other concerning pregnancy symptoms.
An outpatient specialty consultation is not a substitute for emergency services. Call your OB/GYN, maternity triage team, or emergency services according to the urgency of your symptoms.
Practical Prevention During Lancaster’s Winter Season
Vaccination is one part of a broader prevention plan. Handwashing, staying home when ill, and avoiding close contact with sick people can help reduce respiratory virus exposure.
If someone in your household becomes sick, ask your healthcare team about precautions appropriate for your pregnancy. Also make sure your providers know about any medical conditions that increase your risk.
Your plan may differ if you have diabetes, a lung condition, or another complicating factor. That is why personalized prenatal advice matters.
How Lancaster MFM Supports Your Pregnancy Care
Our independent, physician-owned practice serves families in Lancaster and the Reading area. We provide advanced prenatal imaging and maternal-fetal medicine consultations. We also work closely with your regular OB/GYN or midwife, who handles delivery care.
Our goal is to listen to your concerns and explain how your overall health may affect the pregnancy plan. For patients thinking ahead, our preconception counseling service helps review medical history and preparation for pregnancy.
You can also visit our pregnancy care FAQ page to learn more about referrals, appointments, and the role of our specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flu and RSV
Can I get the flu shot while pregnant?
Current CDC guidance recommends an inactivated or recombinant flu vaccine during pregnancy. Your clinician can help you select an appropriate product and timing.
Is the RSV vaccine offered throughout pregnancy?
No. The maternal RSV vaccine has a specific pregnancy-week and seasonal window. Ask your prenatal team whether you are eligible this season.
If I miss the RSV vaccination window, is my baby unprotected?
Not necessarily. An infant RSV antibody may be recommended after birth. Discuss eligibility and timing with your baby’s pediatric care team.
Should I call if I think I have the flu?
Yes. Pregnancy increases the risk of serious flu complications, and early treatment matters. Contact your clinician promptly for symptoms consistent with flu.
A Winter Care Plan That Fits Your Family
Every pregnancy comes with its own questions. At Lancaster MFM, we welcome those questions and work alongside your primary obstetric provider to support a thoughtful plan. If you need specialized pregnancy consultation in Lancaster or West Lawn, request an appointment or call 717-288-8118. For urgent illness, contact your treating clinician right away.
