Vaccinating mothers-to-be against flu not only produces larger and healthier babies, but it can reduce the risk of premature birth. That's the thrust of a new report issued by scientists in the US on October 30th 2009. The studies these scientists carried out highlight how flu vaccinations don't just protect women - pregnancy making them particularly susceptible to contracting flu - but how the effects of the vaccines filter through to the children they are carrying.

Flu and Pregnancy

Details of the new report on flu and pregnancy emerged at a conference organised by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and held in Philadelphia. The goal of those behind it is to stress the importance of vaccinations to both pregnant women and doctors alike.

"We are talking about one vaccine protecting two individuals", Yale University's Dr. Marietta Vazquez advised representatives of the media attending the conference. "Maybe if they are not getting vaccinated for themselves, they will do it for their babies."

"Obstetricians do not offer influenza vaccine", she added. "They should know about this recommendation."

Vazquez spearheaded a research team that assessed around 350 pregnant women from the year 2000 onwards. Of these, more than 150 became ill with flu.

The susceptibility of pregnant women to flu is linked to the fact that, during pregnancy, their immune systems are inhibited so as to mitigate the risk of foetal rejection. What's more - as the babies become larger - they exert a pressure on the lungs.

Vaccinating Pregnant Women

The presence of H1N1 (Swine Flu) has underlined the importance of vaccinating pregnant women. To date, H1N1 has killed over 1,000 US residents, of which approximately 60 were pregnant women. Despite this, the maximum volume of women with babies receiving vaccinations is 25 per cent at best.

"Flu vaccine given to women during pregnancy is 85 per cent effective in preventing hospitalisation in their infants under 6 months of age", the scientists concluded.

In related news, it was reported at the same Infectious Disease conference that patients prescribed statin drugs have a 50 per cent lower chance of dying from flu compared to those not on them.
"Our preliminary study shows these cholesterol-lowering medications called statins are associated with a decrease in mortality," Oregon Public Health Division representative Meredith Vandermeer told journalists. "This early research suggests there may be a role for statins in influenza treatment and it should be studied further."

See also:

UK Swine Flu Vaccinations to Begin