PROTECTING MOTHER AND BABY: VACCINES DURING PREGNANCY As we head into winter, it continues to be important that pregnant women get the recommended vaccines to be protected against vaccine preventable diseases, says Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, at the HSE National Immunisation Office. Flu vaccine “Pregnancy causes changes to your body – it can change how your heart, lungs and immune system work. Because of these changes, flu can be serious for mothers and their babies. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect you and your baby from flu this winter,” said Dr Keegan. While anyone can catch flu, pregnant women are at an increased risk of serious complications from flu. Pregnant women are more likely to need treatment in hospital or the Intensive Care Unit because of flu. Catching the flu while pregnant can significantly increase the risk of premature birth and stillbirth. “The flu vaccine protects mother and baby. If you get the flu vaccine while pregnant, your baby will
also be protected during their first six months.
women in Ireland and can be given from 16
This is when babies are most likely to be
weeks of pregnancy (up to 36 weeks of
admitted to hospital with flu. Flu vaccines
pregnancy). The whooping cough vaccine is
have been given to millions of pregnant
recommended for pregnant women in every
women all over the world for over 50 years.
pregnancy. Getting the vaccine in pregnancy
All the information available shows us that
protects your baby during the first few
the vaccine is safe for both you and your
months of life.
baby.” COVID-19 vaccine Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine
“It is also important that pregnant women
Babies under six months are most at risk from
get the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19
whooping cough. The Pertussis (whooping
vaccine can be given at any stage of
cough) vaccine is recommended for pregnant
pregnancy, but the sooner you get it, the sooner you can be protected,” said Dr Keegan. Vaccination protects mothers and babies Flu, pertussis and COVID-19 are caused by different organisms and can be serious for pregnant women or their babies. “The vaccines recommended in pregnancy work to stimulate your own immune system to make antibodies to protect against these diseases. Vaccination is the best way you can protect you and your baby from diseases like flu, whooping cough and COVID-19 while pregnant. The vaccines can be given at the same time or at any interval.”
Talk to your obstetrician, midwife or GP about the risks and benefits of getting the flu, whooping cough and COVID-19 vaccines. Visit www.immunisation.ie and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #Vaccines4Pregnancy
22 | HEALTH MATTERS WINTER 2021
