During which trimester are pregnant women recommended to receive the influenza vaccine?

Pregnant women are recommended to receive the influenza vaccine during any trimester. This recommendation is based on evidence that influenza can lead to severe illness, complications, and increased risk for both mothers and their unborn children. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect not only the mother but also the newborn, as antibodies are passed through the placenta, providing the infant with some immunity against influenza during the first few months of life.

Timing of the vaccine is flexible, allowing it to be administered whenever a pregnant woman is at risk of influenza exposure, regardless of which trimester she is in. This approach aims to maximize protection during flu season and accommodate women who may not have had the chance to get vaccinated earlier in their pregnancy.

The other choices may suggest limitations or restrictions that are not aligned with current health guidelines established by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which emphasize the importance of vaccinating pregnant women against influenza at any stage of their pregnancy.