Expectant mothers urged to protect themselves and their unborn baby from flu
Public Health Wales is urging all pregnant women to have their free flu vaccine as research shows they are seven times more likely to die from flu than a woman who is not pregnant.
A woman who catches flu during pregnancy is at higher risk of delivering her baby early and the risk of stillbirth is also increased.
Pregnant women are vulnerable to infection and are not able to fight off viruses such as flu as well as other people.
Head of Midwifery at Cwm Taf University Health Board, Kerri Eilertsen-Feeney, said: “As expectant mothers do not have the same ability as other healthy people to fight viruses such as flu, it is really important for pregnant women to ensure they are protected against flu.
“If a pregnant woman catches flu it can cause severe complications to mother and baby. A flu vaccination will help to protect her and will also give added protection to her baby during their first months of life.”
The flu vaccine is safe during all stages of pregnancy, and is the best protection against catching or spreading flu, a potentially life-threatening infection. Last year, almost three-quarters of pregnant women protected themselves with the flu vaccine.
The NHS flu vaccine is available free to all pregnant women in Wales at their GP surgery or community pharmacy.
Abigail, 30, is four months pregnant with her second child. She said: “When I think about what could happen to your baby if you get flu and have complications it’s heart-breaking. The fact that you can have the flu jab free at your GP surgery if you’re pregnant makes it an easy decision. Why wouldn’t you do everything you can to protect yourself and your unborn baby from something like flu which could potentially kill? My two-year-old daughter will be having her flu nasal spray and I’ll be having the vaccine – it’s just not worth taking the risk NOT to.”
Pregnant women are advised to talk to their midwife, general practice or community pharmacy about getting the vaccination as soon as possible this autumn.
