Authors:
Carcione D, Blyth CC, Richmond PC, Mak DB, Effler PV
Authors notes:
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2013;53(1):98-99
Keywords:
Influenza, Vaccine, Pregnancy, Safety, Side effects
Abstract:
Pregnant women have an increased risk of influenza-related complications.
Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing influenza infection in pregnancy.
Maternal vaccination may also prevent laboratory-confirmed influenza in infants.
However, antenatal influenza vaccine uptake in Western Australia (WA) is estimated at 6-10% with 61.6% of unvaccinated women concerned about the safety of vaccination during pregnancy.
These data support safety of vaccination of Australian pregnant women with inactivated influenza vaccine.
Ongoing surveillance is required to reassure pregnant women of the safety of TIV and drive improvements in maternal influenza coverage.