The CDC is urging expectant mothers to prioritize their health by receiving both the flu and whooping cough vaccinations this year. Despite strong recommendations, only 35% of pregnant women are getting both vaccines, and just about half are opting for at least one. This is concerning, given the significant risks posed by these illnesses.
Vaccination Recommendations for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can safely receive the flu vaccine at any point during their pregnancy, while the whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) is recommended early in the third trimester for every new pregnancy. The CDC has identified that many women decline the flu vaccine due to misconceptions about its effectiveness, while others skip the Tdap because they may not realize a new dose is necessary for each pregnancy. Many women also express concerns about the safety of these vaccines for their babies. Alarmingly, 25% of surveyed women reported that their healthcare providers did not discuss vaccination options with them.
Misinformation Surrounding Vaccines
Dr. Samantha Harper, an obstetrician-gynecologist, highlighted the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the flu vaccine in her practice. For instance, a 2011 study incorrectly suggested a link between the flu vaccine and miscarriage, which was misinterpreted by anti-vaccine advocates despite lacking evidence of causation. A more recent study involving over 1,200 women across three flu seasons found no correlation between the flu vaccine and miscarriage.
The Importance of Vaccination
The reality is that both the flu and whooping cough vaccines are safe for pregnant women and are critical for safeguarding newborns until they can receive their own vaccinations—two months for whooping cough and six months for the flu. As the CDC states, “Pregnant women who get vaccinated pass antibodies to their babies, protecting them in the first few months of life before they can get their own vaccines.”
Vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of severe illness in infants. The flu vaccine can lower the risk of hospitalization due to influenza in babies by 72%, while the Tdap vaccine reduces the risk of whooping cough in infants by 91%. Considering that whooping cough can be deadly for babies under two months old—accounting for 69% of reported deaths—and that infants under six months are at the highest risk for flu-related hospitalization, getting vaccinated is essential.
Protecting Your Child
Ultimately, vaccines are the most effective way to protect your child. For more information on home insemination, check out this insightful post on Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit. And if you’re looking for more resources on pregnancy, visit WebMD. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccination options today.
Conclusion
In summary, the CDC strongly advocates for pregnant women to receive the flu and whooping cough vaccines to protect both themselves and their newborns from serious health risks. Despite low vaccination rates, these vaccines are safe and crucial for safeguarding infants until they can be vaccinated themselves.
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