A campaign to increase the number of pregnant women in Bath and the surrounding area taking up the free seasonal flu vaccine is being stepped up by local doctors and midwives.
Free flu jabs are available across the Bath & North East Somerset area for expectant mums who are at increased risk of getting serious complications from flu compared to other healthy adults.
These complications can include pneumonia, hospitalisation, miscarriage, having a premature birth or low-weight baby. Flu can also be serious for new-born babies, who can catch the infection from their mothers.
Last year only 39.7% of pregnant women had the flu vaccination in Bath and North East Somerset.
Pregnant women can have the free flu vaccination at any stage in their pregnancy between September and March and should have the vaccine as early as possible to ensure the best protection.
Dr Bruce Laurence, the Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Having the flu vaccination is the best way that pregnant women can protect the health of their unborn baby from serious complications that can result from getting flu while pregnant.
“The flu vaccination has been given safely to millions of women over the last few years and in many countries around the world. Many studies have shown that there are no safety issues relating to the pregnancy or the baby.
“The number of miscarriages or birth defects in pregnant women who have been vaccinated for flu is no different from those who haven’t been vaccinated.”
Rachel, aged 31, from Bath, is pregnant and has just had her flu jab. She said: “I was given information about the flu vaccination during one of my routine antenatal check-ups at Bath University Medical Centre.
“After reading the information leaflet I understood that I could have the vaccination during any stage in my pregnancy so decided to book an appointment.
“I work in a school and wanted to protect myself from catching the flu virus as I realised that being pregnant puts me at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
“I also thought it was important to protect my baby as I read that new-born babies can catch the infection from their mother.”
A free seasonal flu vaccination – which must be done annually to be effective – is also available for:
- Children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old on September 1, 2014;
- People with certain health conditions;
- All aged 65 and over.
Frontline health and social care staff may also be eligible for the vaccination, provided through their employer.
Whilst vaccine coverage amongst over 65s was 73.6% in the Bath & North East Somerset area last year, the figure amongst other groups at risk of complications from flu was much lower at 48%.
The coverage for pregnant women was 39.7%, two year olds 42.6% and three years olds 40.1%. The World Health Organisation recommends that at least 75% of people in these groups should be vaccinated to prevent the virus being able to circulate at a harmful level.
Pregnant women should contact their midwife or GP for advice and information. Further information about the flu vaccine is also available at www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
People in the categories of those entitled to a free jab should contact their GP. Further information about the flu vaccine is also available at the above link.
