Nearly half of all pregnant women in south Warwickshire did not get flu jab - The Leamington Observer

Nearly half of all pregnant women in south Warwickshire did not get flu jab

Leamington Editorial 30th Oct, 2017   0

NEARLY half of all pregnant women in south Warwickshire left themselves and their unborn child at risk of flu last year.

Some 1,300 pregnant women did not get the flu jab, with just 52 per cent taking up the free vaccination.

Flu can cause many complications during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, such as premature births or low birth weights. In some cases it can lead to stillbirth.

This year the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is hoping more people will take up the offer.




Chief nurse at South Warwickshire CCG, Alison Walshe said: “I would urge anyone who is pregnant to get the flu vaccination as soon as possible.

“Pregnant women are less able to fight off infections and therefore more likely to be seriously ill if they contract the flu virus.


“The flu vaccination is the best protection against flu. It’s safe during any stage in pregnancy. Women who have vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.”

Pregnant women should contact their midwife, GP or speak to a pharmacist about the jab.

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