If you have certain medical or long term health conditions you may be at increased risk of complications from the flu. This may mean you are in, what is commonly known as, an ‘at risk’ group. It is strongly recommended that people in the ‘at risk’ groups, go for their flu vaccination every year. The likelihood of a pregnant woman and a woman who isn’t pregnant (of the same age) catching the flu is very similar. The Department of Health recommends flu vaccination when you’re pregnant because the risk of serious complications from flu is higher. Studies show that vaccination during pregnancy helps a mother to pass on immunity from flu to her infants, giving some protection for the first few months of a newborn’s life. There is also evidence that the influenza vaccine can reduce the likelihood of prematurity and smaller infant size at birth associated with flu infection. No study to date has shown that mother or baby are at an increased risk of complications or adverse effects from receiving the inactivated flu vaccine. Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for ‘at risk’ groups, like pregnant women, to help protect them against flu or from developing serious complications. Ask your doctor or practice nurse today for more information.

UK18333 08/15

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