Influenza, also known as the flu, is among the serious infections that cause thousands of deaths worldwide every year. One of the most effective ways to prevent this disease, which has significant consequences, especially in people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses, is the flu vaccine. According to research by the American Immunization Advisory Committee, the primary target group for the flu vaccine should be: people over 65, those with chronic illnesses, healthcare professionals, and women whose second or third trimester of pregnancy coincides with the outbreak period.
Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
Influenza vaccines are produced with a revised composition each year. The vaccine's content is developed to prevent the viruses expected to cause an epidemic that year. Influenza vaccines are available in both live spray and inactivated injection forms.
Influenza during pregnancy, especially in the later months, increases the risk of complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of influenza infection will prevent the development of complications in both the mother and the baby. If symptoms such as sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, and body aches are observed along with a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, treatment with antiviral medication should be started immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on their research, recommends that expectant mothers whose second or third trimester coincides with flu season get the flu vaccine. Since the flu vaccine does not contain live viruses, it has no negative effects on the mother or the baby when administered during pregnancy. While the flu vaccine can be safely administered at almost any stage of pregnancy, many doctors do not recommend it during the first trimester unless absolutely necessary. Because the risk of miscarriage is higher during this period, it is recommended that the flu vaccine be administered after the first trimester.
The best time to get the flu vaccine is in October and November. While never 100% effective, the flu vaccine, which can be safely administered to breastfeeding mothers, is generally recommended during pregnancy as it provides protection against the influenza viruses that are expected to cause problems during the vaccination period.
SOURCES
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR 2002; 51(No. RR-3): 1-31.
* Heinonen OP, Shapiro S, Monson RR, Hartz SC, Rosenberg L, Slone D. Immunization during pregnancy against poliomyelitis and influenza in relation to childhood malignancy. Int J Epidemiol 1973; 2:229-35
* Kirshon B, Faro S, Zurawin RK, Samo TC, Carpenter RJ. Favorable outcome after treatment with amantadine and ribavirin in a pregnancy complicated by influenza pneumonia: a case report. J Reprod Med 1988;33:399–401.
* Margolis KL, Nichol KL, Poland GA, Pluhar RE. Frequency of adverse reactions to influenza vaccine in the elderly: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. JAMA 1990;264:1139–41.
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