This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Christopher Goodier about why the flu vaccination is especially important during pregnancy. Dr. Goodier is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a maternal fetal medicine specialist at MUSC Women’s Health.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that people who are pregnant during flu season get a flu shot, no matter what trimester of pregnancy they are in. Doctor Christopher Goodier is here to talk about why the flu vaccine is especially important for pregnant women, and what this vaccine can offer in the way of protection for their newborn baby after birth. Doctor Goodier is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a maternal fetal medicine specialist at MUSC Women's Health. Doctor Goodier, why is getting the flu vaccine especially important for women who are pregnant during flu season?
Dr. Goodier: Pregnant and postpartum individuals are at significantly higher risk of serious complications compared with non-pregnant people. And so, vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu and reduce related maternal morbidity and mortality.
Conner: And we're well into the fall season now, but is this still a good time for pregnant women to get the flu vaccination for the upcoming flu season if they haven't done so yet.
Dr. Goodier: Vaccination at any time during the influenza season is encouraged to ensure protection during the period that the virus is circulating in the community, so get it as soon as you can.
Conner: And what is known about the safety of the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Dr. Goodier: Studies have shown that there is no evidence to suggest a link between pregnancy complications or adverse fetal outcomes among pregnant women and flu shots.
Conner: And how effective is the flu vaccine at protecting the pregnant woman and protecting fetal health?
Dr. Goodier: The efficacy of the vaccination in pregnant individuals is similar to that in the general adult population, although its overall effectiveness may be lower than that of other adult vaccines. Vaccination still offers the most significant protection against severe illness caused by the flu.
Conner: And, does getting the flu shot during pregnancy offers some protection against the flu for the newborn baby after birth?
Dr. Goodier: The vaccine has benefits for the newborn when it is administered during pregnancy. There have been many studies that have shown neonatal protection from maternal flu vaccination. In addition, its been shown to be a reduction in hospitalization, related to the flu infection, among infants born to women who received the vaccine during pregnancy.
Conner: And Doctor Goodier, what about women who are breastfeeding their infant during the flu season? Is it recommended and is it safe for them to also get the flu vaccine?
Dr. Goodier: The flu vaccine is safe for lactating mothers to receive if they did not receive it during pregnancy.
Conner: And if a pregnant woman does become ill and she has symptoms that seem to indicate she may actually have the flu, is it important for her to contact her health care provider as soon as possible?
Dr. Goodier: Yes, this is extremely important. Pregnant and postpartum women have a higher risk of serious complications from the flu, and so empiric treatment should be begun as soon as possible and ideally within 48 hours. If patients are having difficulty breathing or significant nausea and vomiting and unable to keep liquids down, they should be seen immediately at the hospital.
Conner: Doctor Goodier, thanks for this information about the flu vaccine during pregnancy.
Dr. Goodier: You're welcome.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
