Why does the CDC recommend that pregnant women receive the H1N1 flu vaccine?
A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the H1N1 flu virus. In comparison to the general population, a greater number of pregnant women infected with the H1N1 flu virus have been hospitalized. In addition, severe illness and death has occurred in pregnant women. To date, 6% of confirmed deaths from H1N1 flu have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant. Vaccination is the single best way to protect against the H1N1 flu.
Is the H1N1 influenza vaccine safe for pregnant women?
Influenza vaccines have not been shown to cause harm to a pregnant woman or her baby.
Does the H1N1 flu vaccine have preservative in it?
There is no evidence that thimerosal (used as a preservative in vaccine packaged in multi-dose vials) is harmful to a pregnant woman or a fetus. However, because some women are concerned about exposure to preservatives during pregnancy, manufacturers will produce preservative-free seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children. CDC recommends that pregnant women may receive influenza vaccine with or without thimerosal.
How many doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine will pregnant women need to get?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of H1N1 flu vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older.
Is there a particular kind of H1N1 flu vaccine that pregnant women should get? Are there flu vaccines that pregnant women should not get?
Pregnant women should get the "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in pregnant women.
The other type of flu vaccine — nasal-spray flu vaccine, is not currently approved for use in pregnant women. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu.
Can pregnant women get the seasonal influenza vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine be given at the same time?
It is anticipated that seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day but given at different sites (e.g. one shot in the left arm and the other shot in the right arm).
What safety studies have been done on the H1N1 flu vaccine and have any been done in pregnant women?
Studies of H1N1 flu vaccine in pregnant women have started. However, the safety profile for the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be similar to the seasonal flu vaccine safety profile in women.
Can the H1N1 flu vaccine be given at any time during pregnancy?
Yes.
Can the family members of a pregnant woman receive the nasal spray vaccine?
Yes.
Is it okay to breastfeed after receiving the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes
I didn't get the H1N1 vaccine while I was pregnant, should I get it now, after I have delivered my baby?
Yes. This will protect both you and your infant.
If I deliver before receiving the second dose of vaccine, should I still get the second dose?
Yes, if two doses are recommended for your age group. In addition to protecting you from infection, infants less than 6 months old will not be able to be vaccinated so it is recommended that everyone who lives with or provides care for infants less than 6 months of age receive both the seasonal influenza vaccine and H1N1 flu monovalent vaccine to provide protection for the infant
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