Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for pregnant women and their babies.

Influenza (flu) can be a serious illness for pregnant women and their babies. It can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Babies cannot be vaccinated for influenza themselves until they are six months old, so a pregnancy vaccine helps provide them some protection  during those first few vulnerable months.  A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that babies whose mothers received the flu vaccine during pregnancy were 72% less likely to be hospitalised with influenza.

The flu vaccine is safe, effective and free for pregnant women. It is given as a single injection during pregnancy, usually during the “flu season”.

If you are pregnant, please talk to your GP, obstetrician, midwife or pharmacist about getting vaccinated against flu. It is the best way to protect yourself and your baby from this serious illness.