UK: Flu jabs advised during pregnancy

Following positive findings from the US where flu shots given to pregnant women showed very little side-effects, UK government advisers are now also recommending that pregnant women get the flu jabs of they are past the first trimester, or due to give birth between November and March.

The flu subgroup of the Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are also advising that the “at risk group” be extended to people with degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. At present, the flu vaccine is offered to everyone over 65 years old, and those with diabetes or respiratory disease.

Although the recommendations still await approval from the JCVI, the vaccine may become available to this group by 2007 should approval be ratified later this year.

Rosie Dodds, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: “Pregnant women are at greater risk of contracting infections because there immune system is compromised by being pregnant.

“But I think if this does happen the risks of side effects will need to be fully explained to women so they can make a choice as there are some vaccines pregnant women are advised not to have.”

In the US, pregnant women are now encouraged to be vaccinated with the flu shot, but not the nasal-spray flu vaccine, at any stage of pregnancy.

[Source: BBC]

Tags: Europe, flu vaccines, health, pregnancy, public awareness and prevention, United Kingdom