Irish Wedding News
28/04/2014
Only 48% of expectant mothers were immunised against the major flu strains in 2013/14, compared to 53% the previous year. The fall comes despite the vaccine being made available to all mums-to-be during any stage of their pregnancy, from October to March.
In addition, just 65% of pregnant women considered to be at risk took up the vaccine in Scotland last winter, compared to 68.7% the year before.
Speaking at the end of European Immunisation Week, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson encouraged all women to consider getting the flu vaccine if they become pregnant.
He said: "It goes without saying that all women want to do as much as they can to keep their baby safe and healthy during pregnancy, which is why it's concerning that less than half of mums-to-be were immunised this winter.
"The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and offers protection to both mother and baby. The Royal College of Midwives, Scotland's Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers have all stated that the flu vaccine will protect both mother and baby at what is an extremely vulnerable time.
"The flu vaccine cannot give you flu and all the experts agree on this. Not having the vaccine simply isn't worth the risk, for you or your baby."
Evidence has previously shown that pregnant women are more likely to develop complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The vaccine helps protects mothers from contracting flu, but it is also said to protect babies for several months following their birth, when they are at their most vulnerable.
Gillian Smith, Director for Scotland, Royal College of Midwives, added: "It is really important that pregnant women do get their flu vaccine and that midwives encourage them to do that. Women should be aware of the importance of having the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they become pregnant. If any pregnant woman is unsure about this it is crucial they speak to their midwife or doctor. Don't leave it too late."
(JP)
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Decline In Pregnant Women Taking Flu Vaccine
A new report has found that less than half of pregnant women in Scotland took up the offer of the flu jab this winter.Only 48% of expectant mothers were immunised against the major flu strains in 2013/14, compared to 53% the previous year. The fall comes despite the vaccine being made available to all mums-to-be during any stage of their pregnancy, from October to March.
In addition, just 65% of pregnant women considered to be at risk took up the vaccine in Scotland last winter, compared to 68.7% the year before.
Speaking at the end of European Immunisation Week, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson encouraged all women to consider getting the flu vaccine if they become pregnant.
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He said: "It goes without saying that all women want to do as much as they can to keep their baby safe and healthy during pregnancy, which is why it's concerning that less than half of mums-to-be were immunised this winter.
"The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and offers protection to both mother and baby. The Royal College of Midwives, Scotland's Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers have all stated that the flu vaccine will protect both mother and baby at what is an extremely vulnerable time.
"The flu vaccine cannot give you flu and all the experts agree on this. Not having the vaccine simply isn't worth the risk, for you or your baby."
Evidence has previously shown that pregnant women are more likely to develop complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The vaccine helps protects mothers from contracting flu, but it is also said to protect babies for several months following their birth, when they are at their most vulnerable.
Gillian Smith, Director for Scotland, Royal College of Midwives, added: "It is really important that pregnant women do get their flu vaccine and that midwives encourage them to do that. Women should be aware of the importance of having the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they become pregnant. If any pregnant woman is unsure about this it is crucial they speak to their midwife or doctor. Don't leave it too late."
(JP)
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