Pregnant women who got a flu shot were 40 percent less likely to end up in the hospital with a serious influenza infection according to a new report from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study of women around the world adds to a large body of evidence that shows the flu vaccine protects women and their babies both before and after birth.

Dr. Kevin Ault is an obstetrician with The University of Kansas Health System, who says pregnant women are often worried about getting vaccines, especially as they are cautioned against taking many medications that may affect the unborn baby. In the video, however, he talks about the CDC conclusion that pregnant women are more likely to end up in the hospital or even to die from influenza, and also points out that vaccination during pregnancy can help protect a newborn too young to get a flu shot.