According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all pregnant and breastfeeding women should be immunized against the flu this flu season.  The CDC has set aside the week after Thanksgiving (November 27 – December 2) this year as National Influenza Vaccination Week. 

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices states that, “Pregnant women are at risk for influenza complications, and all women who are pregnant or will be pregnant during influenza season should be vaccinated." The ACIP also recommends vaccination for all persons, including breastfeeding women, who are contacts of infants or children aged 59 months or less (i.e., less than 5 years), because infants and young children are at higher risk for influenza complications and are more likely to require medical care or hospitalization if infected. Breastfeeding does not affect the immune response adversely and is not a contraindication for vaccination. Women who are breastfeeding may receive either TIV or LAIV unless contraindicated because of other medical conditions.

For more information on the CDC’s National Influenza Vaccination Week see:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw07.htm.

ACOG's current Committee Opinion Influenza Vaccination and Treatment in Pregnancy (CO305, 11/2004) is available for members.

For more information on diseases that may affect women see the ACOG Resource Center Webtreat on  Disease Outbreaks.  For information on the flu vaccine and other vaccines for women see the ACOG Resource Center Webtreat on  Vaccines.

MASH

11/1/2007