As H1N1 Flu vaccinations become available over the next few weeks, among the groups expressing the most concern are pregnant women and their families. Pregnant women are considered among the groups at highest risk for complications of the disease. But many pregnant women also are worried about the effects of the vaccine itself.

Charles Brown, MD, medical director for the Central Texas Medical Foundation's OB-Gyn Residency Program based at University Medical Center Brackenridge, believes the H1N1 vaccination is important for pregnant women.

Dr. Brown's Comments:

If you are pregnant or close to someone who is, you are probably following the news about vaccines for seasonal flu and the new H1N1 virus.

I strongly support the official recommendation that pregnant women receive the injectable H1N1 vaccine at the earliest opportunity, unless I know that my patient is one of a small group for whom there is a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated. Ask your doctor about your personal circumstances.

It is essential to keep in mind that infection with the H1N1 influenza virus can lead to serious even fatal illness, and that pregnant women are among the groups at highest risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), of the first 700 pregnant women reported to have influenza since April, one in seven was admitted to an intensive care unit and 28 died from complications. In an average flu season, 25 of every 10,000 women in the third trimester are hospitalized with flu-related complications. (As a woman advances in her pregnancy, her immune system becomes more compromised, which is one of the reasons both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend women who will be pregnant during the flu season get flu shots. So, ask your doctor about your need for the flu shot, even if you are well along in your pregnancy.)

The H1N1 vaccine has been produced using the same rigorous methodology and the same materials as the seasonal flu vaccine, which has an extraordinarily good safety record, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases. H1N1 vaccine trials have been underway since Sept. 9 and there have been no reports of unexpected reactions to date.

Experts advise pregnant women against the use of nasal-spray flu vaccine because, although approved for health people 2-49 years of age, it is made with live, weakened flu viruses. While the live, attenuated virus vaccine is safe for normal, healthy individuals, experts recommend that certain patients including pregnant women receive the killed, injectable vaccine.

Newborns are also extremely vulnerable. Past flu studies have found that when women get flu shots before giving birth, they help build immunity for their child that is particularly helpful during the infants first few months of life. Vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding women and anyone who has close contact with infants.

Precautions For Pregnant Workers

The CDC recommends that pregnant workers in education and childcare follow the same prevention protocols as others.

Pregnant healthcare workers should follow standard precautions. In most cases, pregnant healthcare workers do not require reassignment. However, like all associates, pregnant women should wear appropriate personal protective equipment while caring for any patient with suspected or known influenza.

The Web site flu.gov provides useful tips for pregnant women, but your best advisor is your obstetrician. Details on vaccine trials with pregnant women are posted the National Institute of Allergies and Infections Diseases.

Where To Get Flu Shots

Flu shots that protect against seasonal flu virus already are available at many locations throughout Central Texas or from your doctor. To find a retail location nearest you, check the American Lung Association's flu database. Just key in your zip code and it will tell you where and when you can find flu shots in your neighborhood.

Charles E.L. Brown, MD

Maternal/Fetal Medicine
UTMB-Austin/OBG
1313 Red River, Ste 303B
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 324-7036

Charles Edward Lee Brown, MD, earned his Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by an OB-Gyn internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Brown subsequently fellowed in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.

The current Medical Director for Central Texas Medical Foundations OB-Gyn Residency Program based at University Medical Center Brackenridge, Dr. Brown has been honored with numerous leadership roles and faculty appointments throughout his career. He is well published, with over 60 peer review articles and abstracts. Dr. Brown has an MBA from the University of Texas Graduate School of Business, and has received various awards for academic achievement. He is also a member of several professional societies.