Health authorities are urgently advising pregnant women to receive their flu vaccine as UK National Health Service (NHS) data reveals a significant rise in flu-related hospital admissions. Currently, an average of 3,140 patients are hospitalized daily due to flu, marking a sustained record level for this time of year. This figure indicates an ongoing strain on health services, surpassing admissions from the same period in the past two years.
Pregnant women are at heightened risk for severe complications from influenza. Research demonstrates that they are more likely to experience adverse outcomes compared to the general population, while their newborns face increased risks of hospitalization. In response, leading medical organizations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), have united to emphasize the critical importance of vaccination.
The RCOG, RCM, and RCPCH encourage pregnant women to consult their maternity teams or general practitioners (GPs) to discuss vaccination. They stress that the flu vaccine continues to provide essential protection, even later in the flu season. Dr. Alison Wright, president of the RCOG, highlighted the vaccine’s effectiveness. “Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy is the most effective way to protect women and their babies from getting seriously unwell with flu,” she stated. “This vaccine is safe, and boosts maternal antibodies against flu, which are passed on to the baby before birth for maximum protection. It is not too late to get vaccinated.”
Healthcare professionals are urged to actively recommend the flu vaccine to pregnant women during every opportunity. Gill Walton, chief executive of the RCM, acknowledged the overwhelming amount of information women receive during pregnancy but underscored the vaccine’s significance. “One of the simplest and most effective steps a woman can take to protect both herself and her baby is to have the flu vaccine if she hasn’t already,” she explained. “It provides the strongest protection throughout pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of becoming seriously unwell or needing hospital care.”
The message is clear: midwives serve as a trusted source of information and are prepared to address any concerns about vaccination safety. Walton confirmed that the vaccine is safe at all stages of pregnancy and noted its protective benefits for infants in their vulnerable early months.
Professor Steve Turner, president of the RCPCH, cautioned against underestimating the flu virus, especially concerning children. “Many people are mistaken in believing that flu is simply a bad cold,” he said. “The flu virus can cause very serious infections with lifelong implications for children, and especially infants.” He warned that the current wave of infections and hospital admissions is putting immense pressure on the NHS, but these outcomes are largely preventable through vaccination.
To assist parents and caregivers, the RCPCH has published a flu vaccine factsheet, which can be accessed through their official channels. Additionally, Oliver Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, confirmed that the vaccine is widely available. “Most independent pharmacies are telling us they still have good stock availability and are able to vaccinate patients promptly,” he noted.
Picard joined the call from the Royal Colleges, urging at-risk groups to get vaccinated. He emphasized that flu can lead to severe illness and pose risks to unborn babies. Individuals are encouraged to seek a quick and nearly painless jab at their local pharmacy or GP practice.
As flu-related hospitalizations continue to rise, the importance of vaccination for pregnant women is clearer than ever. The message from health authorities is unequivocal: getting vaccinated is a crucial step in safeguarding both maternal and infant health.
