Whilst uptake among pregnant women is higher compared to the same period last year, many pregnant women and their unborn babies remain vulnerable.

Pregnant women who catch flu, in particular the Influenza A H1N1 strain, are at increased risk of serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu infection in the mother affects the baby too. By not having the vaccine, mothers could put the baby at risk of premature or still birth.

Kathy Wakefield , Infection Prevention Lead at NHS Rotherham, said: “Flu can cause serious illness in pregnant women and in the most severe cases can put the lives of expectant mums and their unborn babies at risk. This is because the woman’s body and immune system is adapting to accommodate the growing baby and less able to fight off the flu virus.

“When you are pregnant you want to do what is right for your baby and some mothers-to-be worry about the safety and potential side effects of the vaccine. It is safe for mother and baby and can be given at any stage of pregnancy, as flu generally starts to circulate in the community from November  the earlier you have the vaccine the sooner you will be protected for the whole winter. The vaccine may also give your unborn baby some protection against flu during the first six months of life.

“In addition, many pregnant mothers already have children at home and as a carer, cannot afford to fall ill. So getting the jab not only protects the mother and unborn baby, but also their loved ones too.”

Pregnant women can discuss the vaccine with their midwife, GP or practice nurse or one of the community pharmacists approved to administer the vaccine to NHS patients.

There are four groups of people most at risk from flu – pregnant women; people of any age with long term conditions; carers and people over 65 years.

There are additional ways people can protect themselves and those around them. Good hand hygiene - the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique – reduces the spread of germs. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub.

NHS Rotherham launched its annual campaign at the beginning of October to encourage people at risk of flu to get protected and have the vaccine.

For more information visit the NHS Rotherham website: http://www.rotherham.nhs.uk/health/seasonal-flu.htm

Ref:  NHSR11 - P69