Flu: why pregnant women (also) need to be vaccinated

Afsané Sabouhi, edited by Ugo Pascolo 7:14 p.m., October 28, 2021

According to Health Insurance, less than 8% of expectant mothers get the flu shot.

And yet, just like for seniors, pregnant women are advised to receive an injection, regardless of the month of pregnancy.

And it is not for nothing, explains to the microphone of Europe 1 Bénédicte Coulm, midwife at the Trousseau hospital in Paris. 

Increased health risks

"We are more likely to catch the flu, more likely to have a long infection with respiratory complications, secondary bacterial infections which will lead to hospitalizations", summarizes the specialist, a week after the official start of the campaign vaccination.

An injection all the more important as "for all viral infections, fever during pregnancy can cause uterine contractions and an increased risk of premature delivery" argues the specialist.

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All these elements therefore seem to indicate that the benefit / risk balance is in favor of vaccination against influenza during pregnancy.

Without forgetting that it allows the baby to benefit from its mother's antibodies during the first 6 months of its life when its immune system is not yet operational.