Influenza Vaccine Requirements in Pregnant Women

Objective

To explore the importance of administering influenza vaccine during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

An internet search for data, study and position papers was done. Medline and Pubmed were the frequently used search engines besides search for WHO and CDC position statements. The keywords used included, influenza vaccine, pregnancy, outcome, safety and trimesters.

Results

Search provided studies that had been conducted in developing nations like Bangladesh as well as developed nations like Norway and England. The WHO and CDC status reports were also accessed and studied.

Conclusion

Administration of influenza vaccine is recommended in any trimester of pregnancy, to protect the pregnant woman as well as the newborn child below the age of 6 months from the deleterious effects of influenza. The vaccine is safe and free from side effects.