Calling all mums-to-be. You may not realise it, but it’s really important for you and your baby that you have your flu jab. Our very own Consultant Midwife Maggie Davies and her fellow Midwives are willing all mums-to-be to get their free flu jab this autumn. Maggie says: “It doesn’t matter how fit and healthy you are. When you’re pregnant your immune system becomes less effective so viruses like the flu can cause you and your baby serious problems. “It’s really sad, but mums-to-be can suffer severe complications if they catch the flu. Evidence shows us that flu during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, a low birth weight baby and stillbirths or the baby dying within their first week. “The flu vaccination is very safe and has been given to mums-to-be for many years. It also protects your baby for the first 4 – 6 months of their life when flu can make them really poorly. The picture below is of Liz Smith and baby Florence – Liz had her flu vaccination when expecting Florence without any problems. “I know it’s a big decision to have an injection when you are carrying something so precious, but it’s because your baby is so precious that we want you to have the vaccination. If you have any concerns please talk to your midwife. Flu jabs will be available at your local GP surgery from October.” You can find out more about the flu vaccination if you are pregnant on our website tinyurl/lhfooab Flu Facts Flu is caused by viruses which can change each year. So new vaccines are produced to try and match them. This gives women the best protection. Why is flu serious? Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illnesses which need to be treated in hospital. It is not the same as a bad cold. It occurs every year, usually in winter. Flu can also lead to death. Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy? Yes studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. The vaccine doesn’t carry risks for either you or your baby. Women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives. The vaccine also poses no risk to women who are breastfeeding, or to their babies. I had a flu vaccine last year. Do I need one this year? Yes, all pregnant women should receive a flu vaccination and vaccination programmes normally commence in late September. Will the flu vaccine give me flu? No, the flu vaccine will not give you flu.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 10:21:24 +0000
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