Low Uptake of Flu Vaccines During Pregnancy

Highlights:

Flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of having serious complications of influenza infection with poor vaccination rate.
Doctors and health care professionals must improve vaccine coverage by enhancing maternal education.

Low Uptake of Flu Vaccines During Pregnancy

Physicians and health care professionals are still doubtful in administering flu vaccines to pregnant women despite potential life-saving benefits, finds a study from the University of British Columbia.

Flu is a respiratory infection which is commonly caused by the influenza virus. Around one billion cases of flu is noted globally. Symptoms like high fever, chills, cough, sore throat and tiredness are common with the flu.

Marie Tarrant, director of nursing at UBC's Okanagan Campus said, "The World Health Organization and Health Canada have classified pregnant women as one of the highest at-risk groups of having serious complications following influenza infection."

‘Health care professionals are hesitant in giving flu vaccines for pregnant women, despite potential benefits.’

"Given this, the health-care community should work together to protect these moms and their infants. Flu vaccination is one of the best ways."

The research team has recently assessed the effect of the brief vaccination program in pregnant women and the study was conducted in Hong Kong were flu is quite common and vaccination rates are low.

Researchers found one- to -one education interventions have substantially increased the vaccination rates but yet the uptake was low as some physicians were not willing to administer vaccines or there is no proper availability for medicines.

Tarrant says, "Even with the knowledge of benefits of vaccination, there still is this long-held belief that pregnant women should minimize exposing the fetus to any unknown substance, especially those injected into the body," "I believe this reluctance is common worldwide."

"Targeted interventions to health-care professionals and enhanced maternal education may help to address concerns and fears about flu vaccination, and lead to optimal and improved vaccination coverage."

Source: Medindia

Easy Access to Asthma Medicines and Flu Vaccines Can Keep Children Healthy

Asthma kids are benefited by the easy access to medicines and flu vaccines in school.

Clinical Trial of Flu Vaccines Designed to Prevent Heart Related Illness Begins

Heart disease patients enrolled in a clinical trial to test whether a stronger dose of the flu vaccine can prevent death have begun receiving their flu shots.

Flu Vaccine Uptake is Slightly Higher in Provinces When Administered by Pharmacists

People who live in provinces with pharmacist policies are more likely to be vaccinated for influenza according to a Canadian survey study.

Universal Flu Vaccine May Soon Be a Reality, Say Scientists

Researchers may be closer to creating a universal influenza (flu) vaccine that needs to be given only once, and could prevent flu pandemics in the future.

AIDS and Pregnancy

The Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is brought about by the deadly human immunodeficiency virus. In the USA alone an estimate of 120,000 - 160,000 women are HIV- infected.

Air travel: To fly or not to fly

Air travel is for everyone, even those with medical conditions.

Breech Presentation and Delivery

Breech birth or presentation is delivery of the fetus in a bottom or foot-first position. Causes of breech presentation include premature labor, uterine malformations and fetal abnormalities.

Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation

During pregnancy & lactation a nutritious diet, suitable exercise, adequate rest and a tranquil mind help both the mother and fetus and drugs should be avoided.

Home Pregnancy Test

A home pregnancy test is a test done to find out if one is pregnant or not in the relative comforts of the home.

Pregnancy

Detailed look at Early pregnancy Symptoms and easy health solutions during 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. With an addition of an online pregnancy due date calculator.

Pregnancy and Antenatal Care

What is Antenatal care and its importance during pregnancy for mother and baby, with details on the medical test preformed during the first visit to the doctor.

Psychological Changes In Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an experience of growth, change, enrichment and challenge. During the 40 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother will go through several physical and emotional changes.