Pregnant women offered flu clinics

20 December 2010

Pregnant women in Jersey who would like a seasonal flu vaccination are being offered the opportunity at 2 additional clinics this week.

Speaking about the clinics, consultant microbiologist Dr Ivan Muscat said “There is some increase in flu activity and this may very well increase in due course before it starts to ebb again.

“It is now well recognised that pregnant women are at greater risk from flu than non-pregnant women, and it is therefore recommended that they should receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

“Flu vaccination is the best way to avoid flu. Flu vaccination is safe in pregnancy; getting flu isn’t. Although seasonal flu vaccination has been routinely used in pregnant women for some time in other countries this is the first year of routine use in the UK and Jersey, and as such, there are concerns that many pregnant women remain unvaccinated."

To improve vaccine uptake amongst pregnant women, the hospital will open up a drop-in clinic for antenatal patients on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 December between 10am and 4pm in the antenatal clinic.

Antenatal patients can also be vaccinated at their GP surgery.

“We would also of course advise that other at risk patients who haven't yet been vaccinated should take this opportunity to be vaccinated through their GPs,” said Dr Muscat.