Learn FCLV’s policy regarding the flu shot and fertility treatment
As flu season starts up, many patients have questions about the flu shot and fertility treatment. Our Las Vegas fertility doctors have a specific policy to help you determine when you should get this annual shot. We’ve found this is the best way to protect yourself from the flu without interfering with your treatment success.
The details of our flu shot and fertility treatment policy
The flu vaccine is safe for men and women who are trying to conceive. However, where you are in a treatment cycle may dictate when you should receive the vaccine. As such, our Las Vegas fertility doctors have created the following flu shot and fertility treatment policy.
- If you are going through a stimulation cycle, you must wait until two weeks after egg retrieval to get your flu shot.
- If you are going through an embryo transfer cycle and have conceived, you must wait until after your first ultrasound to get a flu shot.
Additionally, if you are pregnant, you should wait to get a flu shot until after your first ultrasound.
Regardless of where you are in a treatment cycle, you should only get the flu shot and not the nasal spray. Why? The nasal spray contains the live attenuated (weakened) strain of the virus, which isn’t recommended for pregnant women and women trying to conceive.
The importance of the flu vaccine
The flu can be very serious for women who are pregnant or trying to have a baby. Pregnancy and fertility treatments can place a strain on a woman’s body. This can make it especially dangerous for these women to catch the flu. For example, pregnant women who contract the flu are at risk for serious complications as are their babies.
The best way to protect yourself from this virus is to get an annual flu shot. Our Las Vegas fertility doctors advise patients to get the flu vaccine every year because each season features different viruses.
If you have more questions about our policy regarding the flu shot and fertility treatment, contact us. Our fertility doctors can help you stay safe on the path to parenthood.
