Pregnancy Influenza Vaccine: Do Maternal Flu Shots Protect Infants After They Are Born? Learn How to Get Vaccinated
Pregnancy Flu Shot Strengthens Babies After they Are Born
Mothers who get flu shots to protect against influenza vaccine may extend the immunization on their newborns, according to a study.
There is no influenza vaccine available for infants below 6 months of age so this is why pregnant mothers get flu shots to protect their newborn babies. However, a new study reveals that a mother's immunization only protects their babies for up to 8 weeks.
Maternal Flu Vaccination Unable to Protect Babies After 8 Weeks?
A new study co-authored by Dr. Marta C. Nunes from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa revealed that pregnancy influenza vaccine only protected babies for up to 8 weeks. In their study of more than 2,000 infants whose mothers were involved in a clinical trial for materal flu vaccination, they found that the immunization did not offer some protection against the virus after 2 months.
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In the first 8 weeks, the pregnancy influenza vaccine was effective at around 85 percent at best. The efficiency dropped down to just 25 percent after 2 months and then increase by 30 percent by the baby's 4th to 6th months of life, Medical News Today noted. The details of the study are published in JAMA Pediatrics.
"Passive Protection" Important
Dr. Flor Munoz of Baylor College of Medicine in Texas said in an accompanying editorial that the study proved enlightening. However, there is no influenza vaccine safe enough to be given to infants and maternal flu shots should still be continued to be administered. However, offering "passive protection" to babies can significantly increase protection against the flu virus.
Maternal Flu Vaccination – Where to Get the Shots in the US
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is imperative for expecting mothers to get their influenza vaccines to protect against infection from flu season. Acquiring the virus can seriously harm pregnant women and it can increase the risk of preterm labor, hospitalization and death.
The CDC adds that pregnant women can get their influenza vaccine directly from their health providers. This includes the OB/GYN or Midwife, the family doctor, pharmacies, drug stores and the health department. All places mentioned are have flu vaccines that are approved for use in the United States.
Do you believe pregnant women should still continue receiving maternal influenza vaccine despite having a study say that it only protects newborn babies up until 8 weeks of age? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
