While the flu shot is recommended for pregnant women, there have been some studies that question its effectiveness and even state several complications that could be caused by it. Now, doctors say women are more likely to get a flu shot this year than they were a few years ago. Why the change? Doctors believe there is an increasing number of positive studies that could be swaying the minds of expectant mothers.
“We’re building a large and consistent body of evidence regarding the benefits and safety of flu vaccination in pregnancy,” says Kathleen Neuzil, MD, MPH. She is a member of Infectious Disease Society of America’s (IDSA) pandemic influenza task force.
Vaccination rates
Marci L. Drees, MD, an epidemiologist in Newark surveyed about 300 women who had just given birth during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 flu seasons. While more women did get a flu shot last year, she points out the H1N1 scare pushed a lot of people to get vaccinated. This year about 55 percent of women got a flu shot which Drees says is a solid number.
“I’m pretty happy with those rates,” she said. “However, we can still do better.”
Other interesting findings:
According to WebMd, there were several other key points in the study.
- Of the pregnant women who refused the vaccine, 26% cited safety concerns as their reason during the 2010-2011 season, compared with 66% the previous year.
- The most commonly cited reasons for refusal last year: Not usually getting a flu shot (62%), not thinking they were at risk of getting the flu (50%), and not realizing they could get severely ill from influenza (35%
Another preventative measure
While many people head to the nearest clinic for a flu shot, Edrugstore sells Tamiflu, which has also been clinically proven to prevent the flu. It can be purchased through our safe and secure online pharmacy from the convenience of your home.
