Pregnant women urged to get swine flu vaccine (From Messenger Newspapers)

Pregnant women urged to get swine flu vaccine

1:57pm Friday 27th November 2009

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PREGNANT women are being encouraged to have the swine flu vaccine in order to protect themselves and their baby, family and friends.

Liz Cullinane is a health visitor working for Trafford PCT who has had the swine flu vaccination recently.

She said: “I thought it was really important to protect myself and others, as not only do I have direct patient contact, but I’m also six months pregnant.

“You are five times more likely to have complications from swine flu if you are pregnant, so to be honest, there was nothing to consider really, especially as there is evidence that suggests your unborn child can also get immunity from the vaccine.”

Swine flu vaccines have been delivered to all GP practices. GPs are in the process of inviting people from the priority groups on their patient registers to receive the vaccine, as part of a nationwide plan to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people.

People who are eligible for a swine flu vaccine but are not registered with a GP can either become a ‘temporary resident’ patient at any GP practice or attend an NHS walk-in centre.

Liz added: “I usually have the seasonal flu vaccine so I didn’t have any qualms about having the swine flu one.

“Some of the opposition I’ve come across in relation to the swine flu vaccine is about people thinking it’s not safe and that they are being used as a ‘guinea pig’, but as an immuniser I’ve seen the evidence that shows it’s safe. The technology they use to produce it is closely linked to how they produce the seasonal vaccines every year.

“Even though swine flu is often a mild illness, it seems to be unpredictable, and with a husband who has asthma and a two-year-old, I had to do everything I could to keep them safe.

“It was a good few weeks ago I had the vaccine, and I’ve had no adverse effects.”

People with flu-like symptoms can still be assessed for swine flu by staying at home and using the National Pandemic Flu Service, by contacting 0800 1 513 100 (textphone: 0800 1 513 200) or visiting pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk

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