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Vaccines protect mum and baby
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 O ce.
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. This is when babies are most likely to be admitted to hospital with flu. Flu vaccines have been given to millions of pregnant women all over the world for over 50 years. All the information available shows us that the vaccine is safe for both you and your baby.”
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine
Babies under six months are most at risk from whooping cough. The Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended for pregnant women in Ireland and can be given from 16 weeks of pregnancy (up to 36 weeks of pregnancy). The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for pregnant women in every pregnancy. Getting the vaccine in pregnancy protects your baby during the first few months of life.
COVID-19 vaccine
“It is also important that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at any stage of 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.”
