Pregnant women warned of ‘very serious infection’ as health leaders issue vaccine alert

Having the jab during pregnancy is the ‘most effective way’ to protect women and their babies serious illness

Leading doctors and midwives have joined forces to urge pregnant women to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible as cases soar across England. NHS figures show that the number of people in hospital with flu remains at a record level for this time of year, with an average of 3,140 flu patients in hospital each day – up on the same period in the previous two years.

Research shows pregnant women are more likely to suffer complications from flu than the general population, while babies are more likely to be admitted to hospital. More than 90,000 health professionals are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated, adding that they and newborn babies are among the most vulnerable to flu this winter.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) urged women to talk to their maternity teams or GP, adding that flu vaccines are safe in pregnancy and offer ‘strong protection’ even later on in the flu season.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the RCOG, said: “Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy is the most effective way to protect women and their babies from getting seriously unwell with flu. This vaccine is safe, and boosts maternal antibodies against flu, which are passed on to the baby before birth for maximum protection. It is not too late to get vaccinated.

“We strongly encourage all obstetricians, midwives, GP’s and health care professionals to discuss and recommend vaccination with pregnant women at every available opportunity.”

Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “Pregnancy is a time when women are given a huge amount of information and it’s completely understandable that it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

“One of the simplest and most effective steps a woman can take to protect both herself and her baby is to have the flu vaccine if she hasn’t already. It provides the strongest protection throughout pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of becoming seriously unwell or needing hospital care.”

She added: “The flu vaccine has been shown to be safe at all stages of pregnancy and also helps protect babies in their first months of life, when they are most vulnerable.

“Women can access the flu vaccine easily through their GP or maternity services, and we would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had it to speak to their midwife about how to arrange it. Midwives are there to listen, to reassure, and to support women every step of the way.”

Professor Steve Turner, president of the RCPCH, said: “Children are experiencing very high levels of flu this winter. Many people are mistaken in believing that flu is simply a bad cold. The flu virus can cause very serious infections with lifelong implications for children, and especially infants.

“These infections and associated hospital admissions from flu are putting our health service and its workforce under huge pressure but can be avoided by vaccination.”

How to get a flu jab

The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine to book their appointment now through their GP surgery, local pharmacy, or NHS online services here.

Those not eligible for a free NHS jab can get a private flu vaccination at most major pharmacies or independent local chemists, with costs usually around £18-£20.

Oliver Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Most independent pharmacies are telling us they still have good stock availability and are able to vaccinate patients promptly.

“We join Royal Colleges in urging people in at risk groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Flu can make you very ill, and also pose risks to unborn babies, so ask at your local pharmacy or GP practice for a jab, which is quick and almost completely painless.”