28 July 2011

Influenza vaccine reminder for pregnant women

NSW Health’s Obstetric Advisor Dr Michael Nicholl today made a renewed call for people to get the influenza vaccination, especially those in high-risk groups such as pregnant women.

Dr Nicholl said that pregnant women can help protect their baby by being vaccinated and also by encouraging people who will be helping to care for their baby to be vaccinated.

“It is safe for pregnant women to get the flu vaccination, in fact it is strongly encouraged. The rate of side-effects from vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women is no different to the rate in other individuals.”

“For people who have not yet been vaccinated, now is the best opportunity to get the vaccine. It takes time for the vaccine to work so you should not leave it to the last minute,” Dr Nicholl said.

The vaccine is available free to people considered more vulnerable to severe influenza, including pregnant women, people with chronic illness, persons aged 65 and older, and all Aboriginal people aged 15 years and older.

NSW Health Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said health experts had seen an increase of influenza activity in NSW since the flu season began, with many people presenting to GPs and Emergency Departments with influenza-like illnesses so far this winter.

“Taking preventive measures with personal hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing your hands regularly, will help reduce the risk of contracting the flu virus,” Dr McAnulty said.

Simple steps to help stay healthy this winter include:

• Cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly
• Stay home if you have the flu to avoid infecting others
• If you think you may have influenza and you need to see a doctor call first so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people.

NSW Health provides an influenza factsheet and other related information at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Health reminds parents and families that health advice and information is available via the free Health Direct Australia service, staffed by registered nurses 24-hours a day on 1800 022 222.