This year, due to the health crisis caused by Covid, it has been decided to bring the flu vaccination campaign forward to the first half of October (normally begins at the end of October-beginning of November). The objective is to buy time to ensure that the population at risk has developed antibodies for when infections begin to increase in winter.
It has always been recommended to all pregnant women to get vaccinated against the flu, since in case of contracting it, pregnant women have eight times more risk of hospitalization than non-pregnant women. This risk increases especially during the second and third trimesters, and during the postpartum period.
But especially this year, in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever that the entire population be vaccinated, and of course all pregnant women do so.
Why You Should Get a Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
- The vaccine reduces flu cases in pregnant women by 70% and if they become infected, it reduces the risk of respiratory complications.
- Protects from serious complications . Flu in pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, or low birth weight, as well as developing neonatal sepsis. It is also associated with a higher risk of miscarriages and fetal deaths.
- It also protects the baby after it is born. With influenza vaccination there is a transfer from the mother to the fetus of the antibodies generated by the vaccination. A clinical trial showed that the efficacy of the vaccine in pregnant women to prevent influenza during the first four months of the baby’s life was 67.9%, protecting the newborn until the vaccine can be administered from six months on.
- Lower risk of mortality from Covid . Some recent studies suggest that people vaccinated against flu have a lower risk of hospitalization and mortality from Covid-19 than people who are not vaccinated.
- Helps ease the burden on the healthcare system. In case of presenting symptoms compatible with Covid, being so similar to those of the flu, being vaccinated would help to make a differential diagnosis, since people who receive the vaccine are 66% less likely to contract the flu.
Also after delivery
This year, women in the postpartum period (in the 6 months after delivery) are also included among the populations especially recommended to be vaccinated against influenza if they were not vaccinated during pregnancy.
In Vitónica | Getting a flu shot is important every year, but this year more than ever – so you can protect yourself and help ease the burden on your healthcare system
In Babies and More | Pediatricians update their flu vaccination recommendations in the face of Covid-19
