Two thirds of pregnant women in Merseyside still at risk of flu

Latest figures reveal that over 4,000 pregnant women across Merseyside have heeded advice from health experts and taken advantage of their free flu vaccination. This means that 1,500 more pregnant women have been vaccinated already compared with last winter. 

With winter now firmly upon us, midwives and GPs across Merseyside are urging all pregnant women in the region to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible.

Cathy Atherton, head of midwifery at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, said: “It is extremely important that all pregnant women get a flu vaccination to protect themselves, and their unborn babies. In the UK last year we tragically saw nine deaths among pregnant women as a result of flu complications, and we do not want to see a repeat of this again this year.

Pregnant mums are five times more likely to be admitted to hospital and seven times more likely to be admitted to critical care as a result of the serious complications associated to the flu. All midwives are supporting this extremely important vaccination programme because we have seen the tragic consequences of not getting the flu vaccine. The flu jab is safe at all stages of pregnancy and will protect the new baby against the virus for the first 4-6 months of their life. ”

The flu vaccine is also available for free to people of any age with underlying health conditions and to everyone aged 65 and over. Almost 209,000 people across Merseyside have already been vaccinated against flu.  It is not too late to take advantage of the free jab and health experts are encouraging anyone who thinks they are eligible to contact their GP straightaway.

Dr Emer Coffey, public health consultant said: “Don’t delay. If you think you are eligible for a free flu jab but you have not had a chance yet to get vaccinated, ring your GP straightaway to book an appointment. Taking five minutes out of your day to get a flu jab could save your life. The flu jab is very safe and cannot give you flu as it does not contain any live virus. We have been fortunate so far this winter that we have not been hit by flu yet unlike last winter, however it is highly likely that there will be more reports of people falling ill with flu over the next few weeks.”  

Those who are eligible for the flu jab free of charge on the NHS include:

• Pregnant women;
• Anyone, even if they feel healthy, who has a long term condition including diabetes, asthma, liver disease, kidney disease or heart or chest problems. This includes children from 6 months old
• People with weak immunity, for example due to cancer treatment or long-term steroids.  
• People with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy, or anyone who has had  a stroke or ministroke
• Everyone aged 65 or over.

 For more information about flu, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu

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Expecting mothers are five periods more likely to be said to medical and seven periods more likely to be admitted