Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: The importance of the flu vaccine

Dear editor:

Every year more than 25,000 Canadians are admitted to hospital due to influenza, and more than 400 die due to complications.

For those who are at high risk, influenza, also known as the flu, can have serious health consequences if the proper preventable measures are not taken.

Pregnant women, especially those in their second and third trimesters, and women up to six weeks after delivery are at high risk of developing flu related complications. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends that pregnant women receive their flu vaccine to reduce their chances of serious health consequences.

Misconceptions about the flu vaccine have long played a part in the public’s perception and decision not to receive their annual flu vaccine. For soon-to-be moms, this is a serious concern.

The flu shot is important for pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies before and after birth. It is safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research shows that there’s no evidence to support the idea that vaccines harm pregnant women, their unborn child or newborn.

In fact, women who contract influenza during their pregnancy are actually at a higher risk for hospitalization, pneumonia and premature delivery compared to those who are vaccinated. The benefits of being vaccinated while pregnant are tremendous for mother and baby.

For example, babies are:

• Less likely to be born prematurely,
• Less likely to be small for gestational age,
• Less likely to suffer from low birth weight; and
• Protected against influenza and influenza related hospitalization in the first six months of life during which the vaccine is not licensed.

Immunization is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu. For more information about the influenza vaccine and where you can get one, please speak to your family physician.

For more tips on healthy living, visit www.yourdoctors.ca/blog

Sincerely,

John Sullivan, MD, FRCSC
President