Flu shot during pregnancy vaccinates newborn babies, too, says NEJM study
by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
Vaccinating an expectant mom also vaccinates the baby–for the first six months of its life outside the womb–according to a new study in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Influenza causes more serious consequences in pregnant women and newborns than in the general public. It can also lead to birth defects. So what were the bottom-line findings of the study?
The infants whose mothers were vaccinated–mostly in the third trimester–had 63 percent less lab-proven flu. They were monitored until 6 months old.
This is important because, as the NEJM study states:
Infection with influenza virus is associated with serious illness and hospitalization among pregnant women and young infants, including neonates. Maternal influenza infection has been associated with an increased risk of maternal hospitalization, fetal malformation, and other illnesses. Influenza infection in young infants often prompts hospitalization and can predispose the infants to bacterial pneumonia or otitis media. Studies from North America and Hong Kong have shown high rates of hospitalization among infants with influenza, especially those under 6 months of age. The rate of hospitalization for such infants is higher than that for other high-risk groups. A national survey in the United States showed that childhood deaths associated with influenza are most frequent in infants under the age of 6 months.
The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get the “inactivated” flu vaccine. That’s the shot. The nasal spray is “live attenuated” and should not be given.
If you are pregnant, write down to ask your health-care provider about getting the flu shot at your next appointment. It’s important.
Does anyone have reservations about getting the flu shot? Has anyone had experience with the flu when pregnant, or in your newborn?
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Thanks for this. My wife is 4 months pregnant with our first and I didn’t know about his. I will send this to her so she can read it too. Great info to have.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I am glad to help. Just make sure she checks with Dr. first. Flu shots are usually given in November and December.
Thanks
September 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Blake,
I just read an update from the CDC. They recommend the flu shot whenever it becomes available. Keep in mind it takes 1-2 weeks for it to become effective after you get it. The flu usually hits in Dec/Jan and can last through March (rarely it can hit as early as Oct). I get mine in early November because I have read that the antibodies lose their peak after a few months, but the CDC says it is plenty effective throughout the entire flu season. I may get mine in late October with this news.