Press release
Pregnant women advised to get protected
Pregnant women in Bury are being urged to protect themselves and their baby from swine flu by having the swine flu jab.
Pregnant women are one of the priority groups being offered the vaccination, whatever the stage of their pregnancy.
In pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed. This means that pregnant women are more likely to catch swine flu, and if they do catch it, they are more likely to develop complications.
Most pregnant women will have only mild symptoms and recover within a week. However, there is evidence that pregnant women are more likely to develop complications including pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and dehydration.
Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said; “Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to swine flu, so it’s important to be well prepared and to take precautions against swine flu. Every year, the seasonal flu vaccine is given to pregnant women who are in high risk groups, for example due to a pre-existing condition, the swine flu vaccination has been licensed and is safe for pregnant women to have.”
“The majority of pregnant women catching swine flu will have mild symptoms, but for some, unfortunately, they are more serious. Having the vaccination is a personal choice, but I’d urge pregnant women to consider the option fully, and if they have any concerns to talk to their GP, practice nurse of midwife.”
Mum to be Charlotte Riu aged 22 chose to be vaccinated, Charlotte said; “For me the choice to have the vaccination was easy, I weighed up the options with my husband and decided it was the best way to protect me, and make sure my baby had a healthy mum. If I am healthy my baby has the best start in life and the best chance of being healthy too. Now catching swine flu is one less thing to worry about, and I can carry on enjoying my pregnancy.”
Any pregnant woman that thinks they may have swine flu, should telephone their doctor for an assessment immediately.
Pregnant women will be invited to go to a clinic or to make an appointment at their GP surgery to have the swine flu vaccination.
ENDS
Date: 23rd November 2009
For press & media enquiries: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
A special leaflet for pregnant women on how to protect themselves and their baby from swine flu is available from the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk