HMC expert urges flu shot for pregnant women

The seasonal influenza vaccination is safe for pregnant women and also can help protect both mothers and their babies aged under six months from getting the flu, an expert from Hamad Medical Corporation has said.
Though most people recover relatively quickly from flu, pregnancy can change the way the human body handles a viral infection, according to Dr Huda Abdulla al-Saleh, senior consultant obstetrics and gynaecology and executive director, Quality and Safety at HMC Women’s Wellness and Research Center.
“Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infections, which is why pregnant women are considered to be at increased risk of serious complications from flu, including pneumonia,” Dr al- Saleh said. "That is why we are encouraging all pregnant women to have the vaccine as soon as possible, so they are protected from flu viruses circulating this winter.”
Dr al- Saleh said the flu vaccination is extensively researched and not only is it safe in pregnancy at any stage, but it's positively recommended in pregnancy. As winter approaches, it is more important than ever that they get vaccinated
“The influenza vaccine has been given safely to millions of pregnant women worldwide over many years,” she said. “Influenza vaccinations have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. Women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives. It is also safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccine.”
The Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation and HMC have again joined forces to offer free flu vaccines to all in Qatar.
People can get the free flu vaccine at all Primary Health Care Centres and private clinics as well as when they attend the outpatients’ appointments at HMC.
“At HMC, patients can ask to receive their flu vaccine when they attend their scheduled outpatient department appointments and we are encouraging them to do this,” Dr al-Saleh said. “You can also take the vaccine at all Primary Health Care Centres and a range of private clinics in Qatar.”