Pregnant women can also get a flu shot for free from autumn. This year this will still be done through the GP. From next year, pregnant women will receive an invitation via their obstetrician or gynaecologist during the flu season, the RIVM reports. The decision follows a recommendation from the Health Council.
According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the flu shot is the best protection for newborns against possible serious consequences of the flu. ‘After flu vaccination, pregnant women also have less chance of pregnancy complications due to flu’, says the health institute. Influenza in newborns and pregnant women is usually without complications. ‘But the flu can lead to respiratory problems that sometimes require hospitalization’, the RIVM warns.
Protects the baby too
According to the institute, vaccination during pregnancy is safe. ‘After vaccination, the pregnant woman makes antibodies, which she passes on to the baby via the placenta. In this way, the newborn is better protected after birth. The baby can still get the flu, but that chance is much smaller and if the baby does get the flu, it is usually mild,’ according to the RIVM.
People aged 60 and over and people with certain medical conditions are already allowed to get the flu shot every year for free.
Source: ANP