Pregnant women urged to get vaccinated against flu

Pregnant women are being told it is “more important than ever” for them to be vaccinated against the flu.

The Royal College of Midwives urged mothers-to-be to get the vaccination after about half (50.1%) of pregnant women in Scotland opted against it last winter.

Women who contract flu during their pregnancy are five times more likely to have a stillborn baby or a child that dies within the first week of life. Infected mothers can also risk becoming seriously unwell during labour.

Gillian Smith, director of the Royal College of Midwives Scotland, said: “It is more important than ever for pregnant women to protect themselves against flu, particularly with reports that this year’s flu season could be serious.

“Expectant mothers can receive the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

“It only takes a few minutes and will help protect them for around a year, as well as protecting the baby for around three months after birth.”

More than 1.8 million Scots can receive a free flu vaccination on the NHS, with those eligible including the elderly, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions.