It is currently recommended by the CDC that all pregnant women get vaccinated for influenza. There is no preference for which flu shot they should receive. However, they are not to receive the nasal spray, which contains a live vaccine. Quadrivalent and trivalent forms of the vaccine are also available and pregnant women can receive either of these. Thimerosal is a preservative found in the multi-dose vials of the flu vaccine. There is no scientific evidence that shows this as unsafe and the ACIP does not indicate a preference for pregnant or non-pregnant individuals. There is a new recommendation for the 2014-2015 season about children. Kids age 2-8 are now recommended to receive the live vaccine in the nasal spray. Studies found that this was more effective at preventing the flu for children in this age group. However, they stress that if this is not readily available, they should not wait and they should get a flu shot anyway. There is no specific recommendation on quadrivalent vs trivalent in children, but the nasal spray is a quadrivalent vaccine.
Sources:
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_vacpregnant.htm
Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2014 September.
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