PREGNANT women would do anything to protect their unborn baby and take care of their health.
Yet mums-to-be in Cheshire may not realise how ill flu can make them and how dangerous it can be during pregnancy.
Getting vaccinated against flu is the best way for pregnant women to protect themselves and their unborn baby from the virus and make sure they stay flu-safe all winter.
The flu jab is quick, safe and completely free and women just need to contact their GP practice to make an appointment.
Women can have the vaccination at any stage of their pregnancy and it can protect their baby for the first few months after birth.
It takes only two weeks to develop protection after the vaccine and that protection lasts for a year.
If women had a jab last year or during a previous pregnancy, they will need another one to stay flu safe.
Last year, only 34% of pregnant women in west Cheshire received the seasonal flu vaccine.
Dr Ashesh Modi, consultant in communicable disease control for Western Cheshire, said: “Flu can result in a stay in hospital and, in severe cases, flu can kill. Don’t take the risk – speak to your GP practice today to make sure you have a happy and healthy pregnancy by getting the jab and getting flu safe.”
For details, women should speak to their GP or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.
