Search This Blog

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

US : Pregnant Women Need Flu Vaccine

Via Yahoo News, pregnant women are urged to get themselves vaccinated against influenza :

" WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Sept. 15 : There will be only one flu shot needed this year and pregnant women should make sure they're at the front of the line to get it.

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended two flu shots, one to protect against the seasonal flu virus and a second to protect against the H1N1 virus, which became prevalent after the seasonal flu vaccines had been manufactured. This year, the seasonal vaccine was designed to protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus, so only one shot is needed.

The March of Dimes says pregnant women should make sure they get immunized to protect themselves and their babies. The normal changes from pregnancy put pregnant women at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu infection.

"Based on expert medical opinion, we urge all pregnant women, and women who expect to become pregnant, to get their influenza immunization because the flu poses a serious risk of illness and death during pregnancy," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "The flu vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective. As an added bonus, during pregnancy, mothers pass on their immunity, protecting babies until they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations."

The March of Dimes was one of 10 leading national health organizations to co-sign a letter urging health care providers recommend the flu vaccine to pregnant women and those who expect to become pregnant."

No comments:

Post a Comment