DOCTORS are encouraging all pregnant women to get their free flu vaccination before the flu virus starts circulating.
Dr Carl Ellson, clinical lead for Worcestershire’s GP-led clinical commissioning groupa said flu can cause many complications during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, such as premature births or low birth weights.
In some cases, it can even lead to stillbirth or even death in the first week of life.
“Getting your free flu vaccination helps to keep you and your baby safe,” he said.
“I would urge anyone who is pregnant to get the flu vaccination as soon as possible.
“During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is naturally lower to ensure the pregnancy is successful.
“As a result, pregnant women are less able to fight off infections and therefore more likely to be seriously ill if they contract the flu virus.
“The flu vaccination is the best protection against flu.”
Doctors say even if people have had the flu vaccination before, it’s important to get it again because the type of virus in circulation changes every year, as do the vaccines.
The flu jab is available from midwives, GPs or local pharmacists.
