Flu vaccine uptake falls in pregnant women
28 Apr 2014 01:06 PM
Less than half of
pregnant women in Scotland took up the offer of the flu vaccine this winter,
latest figures reveal.
Only 48 per cent
of pregnant women were immunised against major flu strains in 2013/14 compared
to 53 per cent in 2012/13, despite the vaccine being available to all
mums-to-be at any point during their pregnancy from October to March.
And just
two-thirds of pregnant women (65 per cent) considered to be at risk took up the
vaccine in Scotland last winter, compared to 68.7 per cent the year
before.
This decline
contrasts to an overall upward trend in the flu immunisation programme, with
figures showing the number of at-risk under 65s immunised over the winter rose
from 56.1 per cent in 2012/2013 to 57.5 per cent in 2013/2014. Vaccine uptake
among those aged over 65 also remained steady, with 76.9 per cent of people in
this age group immunised against flu – above the World Health
Organisation target of 75 per cent.
Public Health
Minister Michael Matheson took the opportunity at the end of European Immunisation
Week to urge all women to strongly consider getting the flu vaccine if
they become pregnant. Run by the World Health Organisation, European
Immunisation Week lasts from 22–26 April 2014.
He said: “It
goes without saying that all women want to do as much as they can to keep their
baby safe and healthy during pregnancy, which is why it’s concerning that
less than half of mums-to-be were immunised this winter.
“The flu
vaccine is safe and effective, and offers protection to both mother and baby.
The Royal College of Midwives, Scotland’s Chief Medical and Chief Nursing
Officers have all stated that the flu vaccine will protect both mother and baby
at what is an extremely vulnerable time. The flu vaccine cannot give you flu
and all the experts agree on this. Not having the vaccine simply isn’t
worth the risk, for you or your baby.”
Evidence shows
pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get
flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. The flu vaccine not only
protects mothers from contracting flu but will also protect babies for several
months following their birth, when they are at their most vulnerable.
The flu vaccine is
free and is available to women at any time throughout their pregnancy between
October to February. Pregnant women are advised to contact their local GP for
more information about the vaccine.
Gillian Smith, Director for Scotland, Royal College of Midwives said: "It
is really important that pregnant women do get their flu vaccine and that
midwives encourage them to do that. Women should be aware of the importance of
having the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they become pregnant. If any
pregnant woman is unsure about this it is crucial they speak to their midwife
or doctor. Don't leave it too late."
Notes To
Editors
Background
European
Immunization Week promotes the core message that immunization of every child is
vital, to prevent diseases and protect life. The goal of European Immunization
Week is to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance
of immunization.
Vaccine uptake
figures are average figures provided by GP practices who have submitted
data.
Incidences of flu
are reported in Health
Protection Scotland’s National Influenza Report week ending 20
April 2014.
The flu
immunisation programme is the single largest immunisation programme to take
place in Scotland.
Getting protected
from flu is important for people with underlying health conditions (such as
asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, MS and other heart, lung and liver problems
and those suffering from lowered immunity), as well as pregnant
women.
The flu
vaccination is available for free to:
- People
aged 65 and over;
- Those
under 65 with a condition that puts them at greater risk;
- Pregnant
women at any stage of pregnancy
- Unpaid
carers
- Health
and Social care workers
For more information on flu
see www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu