Pregnant women in Midlands urged to get flu jabs by health chief
Pregnant women in the Midlands have been urged to get flu jabs "as soon as possible" to ensure they are properly protected.
Regional chief midwife Janet Driver made the plea due to the illness posing "additional threats" to people amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after thousands of women last year failed to be vaccinated which led to them – and their unborn babies – being left vulnerable.
Ms Driver, who works for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said: "The flu is a highly infectious illness, which can be very serious during pregnancy for both mums-to-be and their babies. That is why I am encouraging all pregnant women to have the vaccine as soon as possible so they are protected from flu viruses circulating this winter.
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“This winter will be like no other with the presence of Covid-19 in our communities. Flu, which can be deadly or need hospital treatment, poses additional threats during the pandemic. There is some evidence a double infection with coronavirus and flu may be more serious and can have a significant impact on respiratory function.
“During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system can be compromised and leaves her less able to fight off infections. It can lead to problems such as pneumonia and it can be fatal for a small number of women. It can also lead to miscarriage or premature birth, and it has been linked to having a low-weight baby and stillbirth."
The health chief said the jab was safe and confirmed it was impossible to get the illness from the vaccine – due to the adult jab not containing any live viruses.
"The vaccine is free and will provide vital protection for pregnant women and their babies," she said.
"It will also pass some protection to babies that will last for the first few months of their lives."
Pregnant women should speak to their GP, maternity service provider or participating pharmacy as soon as possible.
For further information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
