Pregnant women reminded to have swine flu vaccine

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) is reminding pregnant women and other vulnerable groups to get their swine flu vaccination to help protect them from any possible reoccurrence of the virus later this year.

Although cases of swine flu are low, the vaccination programme is continuing through the summer to ensure those who are at most risk are able to protect themselves in future winter months.

“Women who have recently found out they are pregnant will be heavily pregnant or giving birth in the height of the winter flu season, so we want to make sure that they have taken every precaution possible to protect themselves from the virus,” explains Dr Sheila Will, Public Health Consultant in Health Protection at NHS HMR.

“In pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed, meaning that pregnant women are more likely to catch swine flu, and if they do catch it, they are more likely to develop complications.”

Pregnant women are one of five priority groups who are being encouraged to get the vaccination from their GP as soon as possible. Others include:

• People aged over six months and within a clinical risk group (for example, those with long term health conditions like heart and lung disease)
• Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Travellers to Southern Hemisphere countries

“If you fall into one of the priority groups and want to arrange a vaccination, please contact your GP,” advises Dr Will. “If you are not registered with a GP, call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 121 4430 who will be more than happy to help you arrange the vaccination.”

For more information about swine flu, visit www.nhs.uk