My midwife gave me a leaflet, here is the info on it:
Why it's important to protect yourself and your baby by getting the flu vaccine:
Each year the flu vaccine protects agains the three most commons strains of flu, which this year includes swine flu. this is why it is important to get the flu vaccine:
While flu is a mild illness for most people, it can be very serious. Experience in the UK and other countries suggests that pregnant women are more likely to develop serious complications as a result of flu compared to women who are not pregnant.
There are also risks of complications for the baby, including miscarriage and premature labour. We particularly saw this with swine flu over the past two years.
The flu vaccine can protect you and your unborn baby from the effects of flu, including swine flu.
is the vaccine safe for my baby?
Yes. The flu vaccine is licensed for use in pregnancy by the European Medicines Agency. Although pregnant women and their carers are naturally cautious about taking vaccines, we now have a lot of evidence that flu vaccines are safe in pregnancy.
The flu vaccine has been regularly used for pregnant women in other countries. Millions of pregnant women have received seasonal flu vaccine in the USA, where its safety has been carefully monitored. This has shown the vaccine to be safe for your baby and for you.
Is there anybody who should not be vaccinated?
Most people with a serious allergy to hens' eggs can now be given a flu vaccine but you need to discuss this or any other serious allergies with your nurse or doctor.
The flu vaccine should not be given to those who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous flu vaccine.
Does the vaccine cause any side effects in pregnant women?
Flu vaccinations are very safe, There are n o specific side effects during pregnancy. Pregnant women can suffer the same minor side effects as anyone else. You may get some soreness where the vaccine was injected. Less often, people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days after being vaccinated. Other reactions are very rare.
the flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot give you flu
How does the vaccine work?
About a week to 10 days after you get the flu vaccine, your body makes antibodies to the vaccine viruses. These antibodies help to protect you against any similar viruses you then come into contact with.
How effective is it?
Flu vaccinations only protect against flu. There are many other viruses around every winter which cause flu-like symptoms, but these are usually not as serious as flu. A small number of people may get flu even if they have been vaccinated, but it is likely to be a milder dose than if they had not been vaccinated.
When is the best time to be vaccinated for flu?
The flu vaccine becomes available in early October. It is best to be vaccinated early so you and your baby are protected. If you become pregnant later in the winter you should get the vaccine as soon as you know you are pregnant.
I received a flu vaccine in the past, do I still need this vaccine?
Yes. If you received a flu vaccine in the past, you still need to get the flu vaccine. Flu protection only lasts for one flu season, so it is important to get vaccinated every year.
How do I get the vaccine?
Simply contact your GP surgery and the receptionist will be able to tell you the arrangements for flu vaccination in your practice.
Summary:
- The flu vaccine will help protect you and your baby from the effects of flu, including swife flu.
- Flu can have serious complications for pregnant women and their babies.
- The vaccine has been shown to be very safe for use in pregnant women.
- The flu vaccine will not give you the flu.
the girls and I had swine flu last year luckily it was a mild case but it was still dreadful!
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