Key Vaccine Information

Friday, November 2, 2012

Pregnant Moms Inexplicably urged to get Flu Shot

Media sources such as the one linked to below are urging pregnant mothers to get the flu shot.  This is completely bewildering as the vaccine inserts themselves state that this has not been tested on pregnant women and it should not be given to children under 6 months of age.  Why then would these media outlets be pushing such a dangerous and untested application?   (Hint: $$$)

From the Vaccine Insert itself:
  • Safety and effectiveness of Fluzone has not been established
    in pregnant women. (8.1)
  • 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Fluzone. It is also not known whether Fluzone can cause fetal harm
    when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Fluzone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
  • Fluzone is approved for use in persons 6 months of age and older.
So this is clearly irresponsible, dangerous and unbelievable that more and more media outlets are recommending this obviously non-FDA approved application.  Why would a product indicated for children older than 6 months and not tested on Pregnant women be pushed for pregnant women?  

Now that you know these facts, ladies...don't let them scare you into doing something that can do irreparable harm!


Link to Flu Zone Vaccine Insert

https://www.vaccineshoppe.com/image.cfm?pi=flu&image_type=product_pdf


Mothers-to-be urged to take flu vaccination
Published on Friday 2 November 2012 15:00 
PREGNANT women are being urged to take their flu vaccination to protect their unborn child.
During the 2011/12 flu season approximately 2,500 pregnant women registered with a GP practice in Calderdale. Figures showed that just 27 per cent of mums-to-be in had the flu jab. 
Dr Graham Wardman, director of public health for Calderdale NHS, said: “Flu can cause serious illness in pregnant women and in the most severe cases can put the lives of expectant mums and their unborn babies at risk. This is because the woman’s body and immune system is adapting to accommodate the growing baby and is therefore less able to fight off the flu virus,” he said. 
Pregnant women who catch flu are at increased risk of serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. And by not having the vaccine, mothers could put the baby at risk of premature or still birth.
“When you are pregnant with your child you want to do what is right for your baby and some mothers-to-be worry about the vaccine.
“It is safe for mother and baby and can be given at any stage of pregnancy. In fact, having a flu jab while pregnant will also automatically protect your baby against this dangerous illness because the antibodies you develop are passed to your baby and will last during the first few months of your baby’s life,” added Dr Wardman.
“In addition, many pregnant mothers already have children at home and with a family to look after cannot afford to fall ill. So getting the jab not only protects the mother and unborn baby, but also their loved ones too.”
This year, pregnant women are also being urged to get the whooping cough vaccination to give their baby the best protection against whooping cough, following a national outbreak of the disease, as very young babies are at the greatest risk of serious complications.
Women over 28 weeks pregnant can ask their midwife or GP practice about a flu jab or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Link to Story
http://www.brighouseecho.co.uk/news/local/mothers-to-be-urged-to-take-flu-vaccination-1-5085938


No comments:

Post a Comment