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Pregnant women encouraged to get H1N1 vaccine

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Initial results from a clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Health found that after one dose of the H1N1 vaccine pregnant women showed a healthy immune response.

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By AIYANA BAIDA

Highlands Today

Published: November 13, 2009

SEBRING - Doctors are urging pregnant women to get the swine flu vaccine - not just for their own safety but for their unborn babies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women who get the vaccine are protecting their infants by having immunity themselves and they're recommending that women breastfeed their baby's as a way of passing the antibodies to them.

"We're recommending breastfeeding to protect their baby's, particularly now. That's the only way they infants can get antibodies ... because when they're less than six months old they can't get the shot," Dr. Rachel Cooper, obstetrician and gynecologist at Florida Hospital, said.

Seasonal flu vaccines on pregnant women have been shown to protect babies up to six months old. But no clinical studies could be found for the swine flu.

Cooper said that's because it's still relatively new.

Dr. Odette Vazquez, of Dr. Raisa D. Camilo MD and Associates pediatrics in Sebring, is also recommending the vaccine to her patients.

"Babies don't have an immune system until after six months of life ... that's why they get vaccinated at two, four and six months," Vazquez said.

A weakened immune system is a natural physiological reaction to pregnancy and one of the reasons doctors like Vazquez and Cooper say it's so important for pregnant women to get vaccinated.

Initial results from a clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Health found that after one dose of the H1N1 vaccine pregnant women showed a healthy immune response.

"For pregnant women, who are among the most vulnerable to serious health problems from 2009 H1N1 infection, these initial results are very reassuring," said a statement released by NIH in November.

Since the swine flu broke out last spring at least 100 pregnant women have been hospitalized in intensive care throughout the United States and 28 have died, according to NIH's statement which included the CDC's latest count.

Dispelling myths about the vaccine has fallen on the shoulders of primary care physicians, pediatricians like Vazquez and obstetricians and gynecologists like Cooper.

"A lot of them come in with questions and the majority of patients once they read the information on H1N1 vaccines, get it," Cooper said.

"I haven't had too many people decline it."

Vazquez has done the same. She said spending extra time educating her patients on the swine flu vaccine can save their life.

Vazquez informs her patients about the H1N1 vaccine by explaining how it works.

"It stimulates the immune system to protect the individual so that if the real virus comes on it can fight it. And, if mom is nursing, the H1N1 vaccine may protect her and her infant."

The CDC reports that pregnant women infected with the swine flu can have premature labor and severe pneumonia which may cause death.

According to the CDC'S latest reports on, laboratory confirmed H1N1, pediatric mortality since April 26, 2009, 129 children under the age of 18 have died from H1N1-15 of them died between Oct. 25 and Oct 31.

More information

Vaccines are available to high risk groups like pregnant women and children through their doctors, health department and hospitals.

For more information on H1N1 vaccinations contact the Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581 or visit the Florida Department of Health's Web site www.myflusafety.com.

Highlands Today reporter Aiyana Baida can be reached at 863-386-5855 or nbaida@highlandstoday.com

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