Obstetricians today launched a campaign to try to increase uptake of the flu vaccine among pregnant women.
The campaign, launched jointly by two royal colleges, aims to improve on last year’s rates when only 40% of pregnant women agreed to the vaccine.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said flu was responsible for 11% of maternal deaths in the four year period from 2009 to 2012 in the UK and Ireland.
This represented 36 deaths.
The college said that more than half the deaths occurred after pregnant women were first offered flu vaccination – but none of the women had been vaccinated.
It has teamed up with the Royal College of Midwives for the campaign.
Dr Patrick O’Brien, from the RCOG, said: “Any viral infection, including seasonal flu, can cause harm to a mother and baby during pregnancy. It can also be serious for new-born babies if they catch the infection from their mothers.
“Some women may be concerned that getting vaccinated during pregnancy might harm their baby but we want to reassure them that flu vaccination is safe, effective and can be given at any stage of pregnancy.
"Having the flu vaccine will also protect your baby during the first few months after birth. We strongly encourage pregnant women who haven’t had the vaccine yet, to contact their GP or midwife today.”
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