Pregnant Women & the Flu

Vaccination Helps Protect Pregnant Women from Flu


Pregnant women everywhere know the importance of taking steps to maintain good health. However, one step that is too often overlooked is the need for pregnant and postpartum women to get vaccinated against the flu.

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other trusted health care providers play a big role in educating expectant mothers on the risks of flu and the importance of vaccination. That’s why today, leaders from some of the most trusted organizations in the health field released a letter, urging all health care providers to promote vaccination in pregnant and postpartum women.

Their message is simple:

1. Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant

2. Pregnant women should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies against flu

3. Influenza vaccine is safe during any trimester

Last year pregnant women accounted for 5% of H1N1 flu-related deaths and 7% of flu-related hospitalizations, despite representing only 1% of the U.S. population. Pregnant women with influenza are also at increased risk of developing serious complications, including hospitalization and death.

Get a copy of the letter or learn more at http://www.flu.gov/.