Oct 6, 2008 7:56 pm US/Eastern
Pregnant Women Urged To Get Flu Shot
Doctor: Child Will Be Protected For First 6 Months Of Life
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Pregnant women have more reason than ever to get their flu shots this year.
This year there is no shortage of the inoculations, and expectant moms should be aware that it's the best way to protect the littlest members of society.
Michelle Fernandez, in her second trimester of pregnancy, recently got a flu shot.
"There's so many things like, you know, you don't eat sushi, you don't um, you know, ah, eat shellfish, or you try to keep things healthy so then for me getting the flu shot is a no brainer," Fernandez said.
A National Women's Health Resource Center study says 1 in 4 expectant moms aren't aware that the flu shot is recommended in pregnancy, and only 20 percent plan to get it this flu season.
"A to-be mother who's pregnant in any trimester can receive the vaccine and should receive the vaccine," said Dr. Samantha Dunham of NYU Medical Center. "It's considered an essential component of prenatal care."
The flu shot is not just of benefit to mom's health. It also protects the baby for the first six months of life.
"If there's something out there that will help you from getting sick, why not do it?" Fernandez said.
But some women still feel apprehensive.
"The vaccination makes me a little nervous," said expectant mother Briana Haas.
According to the Center for Disease Control, every year more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized with complications from the flu. Of those, 20,000 are children.
Children are at risk of developing other infections on top of the flu, like staph, and this can raise the risk of death.
Although there can be pain at the injection site, flu shot complications are rare and one common belief is nothing more than a myth.
"The flu shot does not give you the flu," Dr. Dunham said. "The shot is recommended for children ages 6 months to 18 years old, as well as people age 50 and up and those with other medical conditions.
But the shot is available for anyone who wants it.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WCBSTV.com's Most Popular Pages
