Many pregnant women are not getting the flu vaccine and it’s putting themselves and their babies at risk for the flu and it’s complications, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Because pregnant women are at high risk of complications from the flu, the CDC recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women.
“With the flu now spreading across the country, the CDC recommends that all pregnant women get a flu vaccine during any trimester of their pregnancy,” said Dr. Fatima Bangura is an Obstetrics/Gynecology physician with Saint Agnes Medical Group’s Women’s OB/GYN Group. “Flu can range from mild to severe, but it’s especially risky for pregnant women. Pregnant women suspected of having influenza should seek prompt treatment with antiviral medications.”
Providers at Ascension Saint Agnes urge all individuals six months or older to get a flu shot, if you haven’t already, especially if you are pregnant.
