When mothers and other family members get flu shots before bringing a newborn home, it helps protect the baby from influenza, according to a new study.

Infants are not supposed to get the vaccine because they are too young and do not have fully developed immune systems, which also makes them more vulnerable to the flu, said Dr. Emmanuel "Chip" Walter of Duke University.

They are hospitalized with flu more often than any other group of children.

"We want to protect the newborn by vaccinating the entire family, and send parents home with one less thing to worry about," Walter said.

A five-month study at one hospital showed that giving new mothers information about the benefits increased vaccination rates for other family members and especially for the women.

"Our study shows that offering the flu vaccine to new mothers during their baby's stay in the hospital is an effective way to assure that all women have the opportunity to get vaccinated and thereby protect their own health and the health of their baby," Walter said.