Doctors and midwives are urging pregnant women across Bath and surrounding areas to protect themselves and their unborn child from flu by getting the flu jab this winter.
Now is the ideal time to have the flu vaccination; available from their GP, maternity service provider or pharmacy, before the flu virus starts circulating.
All pregnant women are recommended to receive the flu vaccine irrespective of their stage of pregnancy.
Pregnancy naturally weakens slightly the body’s immune system and as a result, increases the risk of a mother and unborn baby becoming seriously ill from flu.
It is very important that pregnant women get the flu jab and protect themselves and their baby as soon as possible.
Flu can make people who are usually healthy feel very poorly for up to a fortnight and sometimes even suffer serious complications.
There is also strong evidence to suggest that pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu which can harm them and their unborn baby.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Consultant in Public Health Medicine for Bath and surrounding areas at NHS England said: “I urge all pregnant women to get their free flu vaccine on the NHS as soon as they can, if they haven’t already.
“They can have their flu jab either at their GP practice or via their midwife for example during their antenatal visit, but also via the local pharmacist.
“Flu can be a serious illness for pregnant women and can results in serious complications for them, including: bronchitis, pneumonia and an increased risk of having a miscarriage or the baby being born prematurely or with a low birth weight. “
Flu is a highly infectious and is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why pregnant women should be vaccinated annually.
The symptoms come on very quickly include, fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is by having the vaccination and doing so reduces the risk of developing the illness significantly.
Dr Ardiana Gjini continued: “It’s important that all pregnant women protect themselves and their unborn baby by having the vaccination. Flu is a serious risk to both the mother and unborn baby. Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications from flu.
“The vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and is safe for mother and baby. So if you are pregnant and haven’t yet had your vaccine, please speak with your GP/ maternity service provider / local pharmacy as soon as possible. The vaccine is free and will offer protection to you and your baby.”
Pregnant mothers are also able to book GP appointments through the GP Online Service, provided by NHS England, this service enables patients to book appointments and check their medical records at anytime, anywhere and is available at all Bath and surrounding areas practices.
The online service enables patients to take greater control of their health and wellbeing, whilst providing more choice and convenience for flu vaccinations
Dr Gjini concluded: “Strains of the flu virus change every year, and for that reason it’s important to have the vaccine every year and GP Online Services is specifically designed to make it even easier to book an appointment.
“Even if someone thinks they’ve already had the flu, they should still have the vaccine, there is more than one type of flu virus, and it’s important to reduce the risk as much as possible.”
