Pregnant Women Missing Important Protection During Flu Season
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It's no secret. Influenza -- commonly known as the flu, is a leading cause of illness, hospitalizations and death in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While we're all at some risk for getting this contagious disease during flu season, for pregnant women, the stakes are even higher. Pregnancy-related changes in the respiratory and immune systems can increase not only the likelihood of getting the flu, they also increase the risk of complications, such as pneumonia and hospitalization. More importantly, if a pregnant woman gets the flu, it could also affect her baby's health.
But, despite the risks that the flu poses to mother and child, a 2006 National Health Information Survey estimates that fewer than 14 percent of moms-to-be get vaccinated during the flu season each year. This is also in spite of recommendations from leading experts emphasizing flu vaccination for women who are pregnant during flu season and new scientific evidence showing the protective benefit of flu vaccination during pregnancy to a mother's newborn.
What's more, findings from a new National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) survey conducted by Harris Interactive show the flu vaccine is "bottom-of-mind" for most women when they consider their own prenatal health. In fact, only 56 percent of women believed getting a flu shot was important during pregnancy. In contrast, nearly half of women are either uncertain about flu vaccine's safety or believe it is unsafe, and only 20 percent of those who are currently pregnant said they plan to get a flu shot this season.
To encourage moms-to-be to take action during flu season, the NWHRC is partnering with the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) to launch "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby, Get A Flu Shot!." The program will educate pregnant women on what they need to know about flu vaccination during pregnancy and encourage healthcare providers to talk to their pregnant patients about the benefits of flu vaccination. Educational information and tools, and answers to frequently asked questions about flu and pregnancy are available on the NWHRC's Parenting and Pregnancy portal at www.HealthyWomen.org.
"Staying healthy is critical to expectant mothers and their babies, which is why getting vaccinated during flu season is an essential part of prenatal health," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, Executive Director of NWHRC. "To help educate and encourage flu vaccination in pregnant women, we're offering them the tools and information needed to discuss flu vaccination with their healthcare provider, so they can actively incorporate flu protection in their prenatal and newborn care plan."
"Flu vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective and to provide protection for both mother and newborn baby. In fact, new scientific evidence shows that flu vaccination of a pregnant mother can reduce the risk of influenza-related infections in newborns who can't receive the flu shot themselves," said Ashley Roman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center. "For those who are concerned about vaccine preservatives, I urge you to explore thimerosal-free flu shot options with your healthcare provider."
The survey also revealed that only one in four women were aware of expert medical guidelines that recommend women obtain a flu vaccine during pregnancy, and more than 60 percent said they never discussed getting a flu shot during pregnancy with their doctor. However, of those who were vaccinated against the flu during their pregnancy, nearly three in 10 said they did so because their healthcare provider recommended it.
Take care of yourself and your baby this flu season. To learn more about influenza, flu shots and pregnancy, and the educational program, "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be," visit www.HealthyWomen.org.
About Influenza
According to the CDC, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted on behalf of the National Women's Health Resource Center by Harris Interactive online between September 4-12, 2008 among 528 women aged 18-50 who reside in the U.S., and who are currently pregnant or were recently pregnant. The survey was designed to gauge the knowledge of flu vaccination among pregnant women while looking at myths and fears women have about getting a flu shot while pregnant.
The survey and "Flu Free And A Mom-to-Be" campaign is supported by CSL Biotherapies.
Flu-Free and A Mom-To-Be: Did You Know?
* Despite recommendations from leading health experts that pregnant women receive the flu shot, only about 14 percent of pregnant women are vaccinated, according to the National Health Information Survey.
* In addition to protecting mothers, vaccination during pregnancy can protect infants from influenza during their first 6 months of life, a time when they should not get an influenza vaccination.
* While all pregnant women should get a flu shot, those who have chronic, high-risk medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, suppressed immune systems or diabetes, are at greatest risk of influenza infection and complications.
* There are forms of the injectable influenza vaccine that are thimerosal or preservative-free.
* Six states have banned the use of thimerosal-containing vaccines in children and pregnant women, including: California, Delaware, Missouri, New York, Washington and Illinois. Others have legislation pending.
* Experts recommend that all pregnant women get a flu shot! Learn more about influenza, flu shots and pregnancy from NWHRC's "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby, Get A Flu Shot!" at www.HealthyWomen.org.