Are you pregnant and worried about the swine flu? The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be vaccinated against swine flu.http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm This page discusses what you need to know about how to get a swine flu vaccine when pregnant
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.
Should Pregnant Women Get the Swine Flu Vaccination?
This Good Morning America video reports that the CDC maintains that pregnant women are seven times more likely to be hospitalized if the get swine flu, and that the risk of dying when they contract swine flu is four times greater for pregnant women. The segment interviews pregnant women who have opted to get the vaccine, and those that have opted not to. Robin Roberts also speaks to an official at the CDC who states the the vaccine is safe and encourages all pregnant women to get vaccinated.
Introduction
Pregnant women have a high risk for complications if they contract influenza, and the CDC is recommending that all pregnant women be vaccinated. In addition to the usual seasonal influenza complications, the H1N1 swine flu poses additional risks for pregnant women. The swine flu vaccine is expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-October 2009, and pregnant women are in the first priority group to receive the vaccine.http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
Step 1: What Vaccines Do Pregnant Women Need?
Pregnant women should receive both the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as the swine flu vaccine. Although both vaccines can be administered on the same day, the seasonal flu shot should be received as soon as it is available; do not wait until mid-October when the swine flu vaccine is released. There are two types of swine flu vaccine: an injection and a nasal spray. Only the injection is approved for use in pregnant women.http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
Step 2: Ways to Protect Yourself From Swine Flu
Vaccination is the best protection, but the swine flu vaccine is not always easy to find. Until you can get vaccinated, the CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid crowds, practice frequent hand washing, and minimize contact with sick individuals. If a pregnant women begins to experience flu symptoms, she should contact her doctor immediately to start an antiviral medication treatment.http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
Step 3: Where to Get a Swine Flu Shot
- Call your primary care physician or obstetrician to see when they will have swine flu vaccine available.
- Your local board of health may be able to direct you to other resources and places in your community that are administering vaccines.
- In an effort to make it easier for people to get vaccinated, states like Massachusetts have authorized other health care providers such as dentists and pharmacists to give swine flu shots.
