Swine Flu Vaccines - Advice for Pregnant Women

17 November 2009

Advice for pregnant women being offered a swine flu vaccination has just been published in a new NHS leaflet.

It answers the most important questions which a mother-to-be might have and makes it clear the vaccines are safe for themselves and their baby.

The leaflets will be distributed to GP surgeries, ante natal clinics, midwives, pharmacies and Sure Start Centres next week but members of the public can download their own copies on the internet or order their own hard copy.

NHS Norfolk's Assistant Director of Public Health, Jonathan Williams said: "Pregnant women are considerably more likely to develop serious complications from swine flu which is why they have been included in the first wave of vaccinations.

"We urge everyone who is called up by their GP for a swine flu vaccination to attend the clinic as this provides the best protection agaimnst infection.

"This new NHS leaflet makes very clear the advice from the Department of Health that the vaccines are safe for pregnant women and their babies."

The leaflet says:

Having the swine flu vaccine now could help avoid catching swine flu and protect the baby. The risk of complications (including miscarriage and premature labour) is highest during the later stages of pregnancy.

There are two vaccines, called Pandemrix and Celvapan. Both are licensed for use for pregnant women.

The Department of Health advises the use of Pandemrix for pregnant women, as only one dose is required, meaning patients are protected more quickly from the risk of flu. Celvapan requires two doses at least three weeks apart.

Pandemrix has been manufactured using hens eggs so Celvapan might be more suitable for those who have a history of extreme reaction to eggs. Seek advice from your GP.

Women who are known to have become pregnant shortly after receiving Pandemrix have gone on to have normal pregnancies.

The leaflet can be downloaded at:
 

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_108153