Pregnant women urged to get flu vaccine

Women across Fife are being urged to make sure they get the flu vaccination.

The call comes after statistics highlighted that under half (45 percent) of those pregnant in Fife didn’t receive their vaccine last winter and that flu was the cause of death among one in 11 women who died during, or shortly after, pregnancy.

Pregnant women who contract flu are also five times more likely to have a stillborn baby, or for the baby to die in the first week following birth.

Mary Ross-Davie, director of the Royal College of Midwives Scotland, said: “Flu is a really serious illness – it is not just a bad cold. It can have a serious impact on those expecting a baby, which is why we’re encouraging expectant mothers to get the vaccine.

“If you’ve been pregnant before, remember that a healthy and flu-free pregnancy last time is no guarantee that you won’t catch flu this time. The flu vaccine is free, it’s safe to have at any time during pregnancy, and it only takes a few minutes. To ensure you’re protected this winter, I’d encourage you to make booking your GP vaccination appointment a priority.”

Gregor Smith, deputy chief medical officer said: “Flu doesn’t discriminate and even the fittest and healthiest among us can fall seriously ill. Pregnant women can be much more vulnerable to flu due to changes to their immune system, heart and lungs.

“There is no doubt that women want to do as much as they can to keep their baby safe and healthy during pregnancy, and as we come into our coldest months that should include getting their flu vaccine. It not only protects the mother from contracting flu but will also protect baby for several months following their birth, when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu or phone NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88 for further information