Urgent Call for Pregnant Women to Get Flu Jab in Staffordshire

Pregnant women in Staffordshire have been advised to receive the flu vaccination as soon as possible, with health chiefs warning that pregnancy makes women more susceptible to complications from flu and Covid-19. The vaccination is necessary to safeguard both the mother's health and that of her baby, as the flu can be particularly serious for both. Experts have expressed concerns that the lower-than-expected uptake of the flu jab this year may be due to the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on vaccination sessions.

Key Takeaways:

• Pregnant women in Staffordshire are urged to get their flu jab as soon as possible to protect themselves and their baby.
• The flu vaccine is safe for women to receive at any stage of pregnancy, from conception until delivery.
• Pregnancy makes women more susceptible to complications from flu and Covid-19, making the flu jab crucial for expectant mothers.
• Health chiefs have been unable to hold vaccination sessions at GP surgeries in the same way as previous years, which may contribute to the lower uptake.
• Women can receive the flu jab at their GP surgery, local community pharmacy, or antenatal clinic.
• Alison Budd, lead midwife for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Maternity and Neonatal Transformation Programmes, emphasizes that flu vaccination sessions have been made as safe as possible.

Statistics:

• The flu vaccine can provide immunity against the flu for several months after birth.
• Pregnancy makes women more susceptible to complications from flu and Covid-19.
• The flu jab is safe for women to receive at any stage of pregnancy, from conception until delivery.

Sources:

• Dr. Paddy Hannigan, chairman of Stafford and Surrounds Clinical Commissioning Group
• Alison Budd, lead midwife for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Maternity and Neonatal Transformation Programmes