2023-10-20 15:13:46
Title: Pregnant Women Urged to Get Free Flu Shot to Protect Newborns
Subtitle: New study shows that flu shot during pregnancy reduces the risk of newborns contracting the flu by 35%
November 5, 2023
Kop van Noord-Holland – As the flu season approaches, health authorities are urging pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect their newborns from the flu. A recent study has shown that pregnant women who receive the flu shot have a fifty percent lower risk of contracting the flu themselves, while their babies have a 35% reduced chance of getting the flu.
In the Netherlands, an estimated ten to fifteen percent of newborn babies are affected by the flu annually. Shockingly, around 300 of these infants develop serious symptoms, requiring hospitalization; and ten to twenty babies need intensive care each year. Pregnant women with the flu are also admitted to the hospital more frequently than non-pregnant women of the same age, with an average of 45 cases reported annually.
The flu shot offers significant protection for both the mother and the baby. When a pregnant woman receives the flu vaccine, she produces antibodies that are passed on to her baby, shielding them from birth. The vaccinated infants are approximately 35% less likely to get the flu, and the risk of hospitalization due to flu-related complications is reduced by seventy percent.
Contrary to common concerns, studies have consistently shown that flu vaccination during pregnancy is safe for both the pregnant woman and the baby. Most countries in Europe and beyond have been vaccinating pregnant women against the flu for years without any complications or negative consequences reported.
The flu shot is available for pregnant women from 22 weeks of pregnancy until the end of pregnancy. To make an appointment, interested individuals can visit the GGD’s online registration form. Those with existing medical conditions will automatically receive invitations via their GP to get vaccinated earlier in their pregnancy.
In an effort to educate and inform expectant parents about vaccinations during pregnancy, the GGD is organizing a free online meeting titled “Vaccinations during pregnancy” on Tuesday evening, November 7. To participate, interested individuals can register through the provided link.
The flu season is a yearly challenge, but through vaccination, pregnant women can protect not only themselves but also their vulnerable newborns from the potentially serious consequences of the flu. Don’t wait, get vaccinated today!]
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