Pregnant women in Wirral urged to protect their babies from flu

Nov 7 2012 by Helen Hunt, Birkenhead News

PREGNANT women in Wirral are being urged to protect themselves and their baby by getting the flu jab.

Last year less than a third of pregnant women in Wirral were vaccinated against flu – even though they face increased risks if they catch the virus.

Today Wirral public health chiefs urged mums-to-be to take up the offer of a flu jab and stay safe this winter.

They say many pregnant women do not realise how ill flu can make them and how dangerous it can be during pregnancy – leading to hospital admission in some cases.

The jab is said to be safe and can be given at any stage of pregnancy, offering protection to babies even after they are born for the first few months after birth.

For more information, speak to your GP, midwife or visit www.nhs.uk/flu