Swine flu jabs targeted at mums-to-be (From Bury Times)

Swine flu jabs targeted at mums-to-be

1:07pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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PREGNANT women in Bury are being urged to protect themselves and their babies by having the swine flu jab.

Mums-to-be are one of the priority groups being offered the vaccination, whatever the stage of their pregnancy.

Health experts at NHS Bury stress that during pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed, heightening the chances of women catching swine flu and, consequently, more likely to develop complications.

Dr Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for the NHS trust, said: “Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to swine flu, so it’s important to be well prepared and to take precautions against it.

“Every year, the seasonal flu vaccine is given to pregnant women who are in high risk groups, for example due to a pre-existing condition. The swine flu vaccination has been licensed and is safe for pregnant women to have.

“The majority of pregnant women catching swine flu will have mild symptoms, but for some, unfortunately, they are more serious.

“Having the vaccination is a personal choice but I’d urge pregnant women to consider the option fully. If they have any concerns, they can talk to their GP, practice nurse or midwife.”

Mum-to-be Charlotte Riu, aged 22, said: “For me, the choice to have the vaccination was easy.

“I weighed up the options with my husband and decided it was the best way to protect me, and make sure my baby had a healthy mum.”

People in other at-risk groups are also being urged to get protected, as the town’s swine flu vaccination programme gets under way.

The first doses are being offered to people at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill.

Once GPs complete the vaccination of priority groups, such as cancer patients or people with underlying health conditions, it will be offered to all children aged over six months and under five years.

Dr Elton has warned of complacency despite a drop in cases across the region. Frontline health and social care workers have also been offered the vaccine.

Anyone concerned they may have swine flu should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513100 or www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk.

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