Flu Vaccination Rates Decline After Pregnancy Ends
Pregnant patients are twice as likely to get the flu shot, as frequent medical visits facilitate better vaccine access.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Data from the 2017-18 through 2021-22 respiratory virus seasons shows that pregnant patients are significantly more likely to receive a flu vaccine than non-pregnant individuals. This shift in vaccination behavior typically aligns with frequent prenatal medical appointments.
Why it matters
Flu complications can be more severe during pregnancy, and vaccinations during this time help pass maternal antibodies to newborns. Understanding these patterns helps families maintain consistent care as prenatal support ends.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that pregnant patients have more than twice the odds of receiving a flu vaccine compared to non-pregnant patients. Vaccination rates for both pregnant and postnatal groups notably dipped during the 2020-21 flu season.
The players
University of Southern California
The institution that provided the lead study author for this retrospective health claims research.
The details
Researchers utilized health claims data to track vaccine records before, during, and after pregnancy. The higher uptake during pregnancy is largely attributed to increased access to care through frequent prenatal appointments and recommendations from obstetricians. In contrast, vaccination rates often decline post-birth as the frequency of routine medical consultations decreases.
Timeline
2017-18 season: Start of the study period for analyzing vaccine records.
2020-21 season: Vaccination rates dropped for both pregnant and postnatal patients.
2021-22 season: End of the study period for vaccine record analysis.
October 2026: Official publication of the findings in the American Journal of Public Health.
The Home Front
This study underscores how pregnancy serves as a period of heightened interaction with the healthcare system, leading to higher preventative care uptake. These findings contrast with the lower vaccination rates typically observed in the postnatal period when routine appointment frequency changes.
Families should discuss flu vaccination timing with their OB-GYN during routine prenatal check-ups to ensure maternal and newborn protection. Plan for these immunizations to continue after pregnancy by scheduling wellness follow-ups with a primary care provider.
The takeaway
Flu vaccination rates are naturally highest during pregnancy due to frequent medical oversight, but these habits often fade once the postnatal period begins. Families should prioritize maintaining their vaccination schedule even after their care frequency drops following delivery.
Further reading
For more on managing health during and after birth, visit the Pregnancy section.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize recommended vaccinations during and after pregnancy to protect your long-term health?
