Winter is approaching, the time of the year in which there are more cases of influenza, and with the intention of protecting the most vulnerable population, including pregnant women, the Ministry of Health has launched the campaign of influenza vaccination 2015-2016.
It is primarily aimed at protecting people who have a higher risk of complications if they are infected, so it is recommended that all pregnant women get a flu shot in any trimester of pregnancy.
In case of contracting the flu, a pregnant woman presents 18 percent higher risk of complications than a woman who is not. Especially respiratory complications, especially from the second trimester, which can cause problems for both the mother and the fetus, describing an increase in maternal mortality, as well as a higher rate of abortions, caesarean sections, premature births and respiratory distress syndrome in the child.
That is why, both international organizations such as the WHO or CDC as well as the Ministry of Health and different scientific societies, recommend that all pregnant women be vaccinated against the flu, especially if they are going to give birth during the winter months.
It also protects the baby during the first months
In addition to protecting the pregnant woman, the baby is also protected by the vaccine.
Since babies under six months of age cannot receive the vaccine, the mother, the newborn being vaccinated receive antibodies through the placenta. These will protect you during the first months of life, until you can receive the vaccine.
Vaccination of the pregnant woman gets halve flu hospitalizations of their children during the first 6 months of life.
