Pregnant women urged to get flu vaccine

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 lifethreatening infection. Last year, almost threequarters 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.

Pregnant women are advised to talk to their midwife, general practice or community pharmacy about getting the vaccination as soon as possible this autumn.