Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy

Spring 2019 has experienced a unprecedented trajectory with the most recent rise in confirmed flu cases. At Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology, we are taking the opportunity to ensure that our patients are protected from all active strands. The US flu season is already a long one, with illness activity still widespread in 44 states and expected to continue for several more weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its latest weekly update.

Though the level of clinic visits for flu peaked in February, the latest markers show little change from the previous week, with H3N2 viruses causing an increasing number of infections.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to influenza infection and its resulting morbidities; therefore, influenza vaccination is an integral element of pre-pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum care. It is imperative that obstetrician–gynecologists, other health care providers, health care organizations, and public health officials continue efforts to improve the rate of influenza vaccination among pregnant women. Doing so will benefit women and their newborns.