Flu in pregnancy

Question 1

How many women need to be vaccinated to prevent one maternal or neonatal infection with flu?

How many hospital admissions are prevented per 1000 women vaccinated?

Answer 1

5

1-2 hospital admissions per 1,000 vaccinations

Question 2

Which trimester is the worst to catch flu for pregnant women?

Answer 2

Third

Question 3

When is the best time to have the flu vaccine?

Answer 3

Ideally at the start of the flu season regardless of gestation

Question 4

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Answer 4

Used for over 10 years

No evidence of harm to women or their offspring

Only contraindication is anaphylaxis

Question 5

Why are pregnant women more susceptible to the flu?

Answer 5

• changes in immune system
• Increased cardiac output
• Increased susceptibility to hypoxia
• Changes to lung function

Question 6

Are there any benefits for the fetus?

Answer 6

Placental transfer of antibodies to the fetus provides protection for up to first 6 months of life

Question 7

What other public health measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk to pregnant women?

Answer 7

Staff working with pregnant women should be vaccinated