Are immunisations necessary and are they safe?

Some infections can cause serious harm for both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Prior to pregnancy Rubella and Varicella (Chicken pox virus) • Booster immunisation is advised before becoming pregnant to those with no/low immunity During pregnancy Influenza (Flu, Swine Flu) • Flu is particularly serious for pregnant women and their babies- both unborn and newborn. Flu vaccination is strongly advised if you are going to be pregnant during the flu season (March –October). The seasonal flu vaccine covers both seasonal flu and swine flu. It is SAFE and EFFECTIVE. Pertussis (Whooping cough) • This is a serious infection that mainly affects very young babies. Adult immunity from childhood generally wanes over time. If infected, these adults usually have a mild form of the disease but may pass on the infection to young babies. As such, booster immunisation to whooping cough is recommended for all adults who are going to be in close contact with young babies. Therefore, I highly recommend the following actions to reduce the possibility of infection in these most vulnerable young infants. • ALL adults who will be in close contact with the newborn baby should have a Whooping cough booster (Boostrix) if they have not had one in the last 10 yrs. This can occur at ANY TIME. • Pregnant patients should have a Whooping Cough booster between 28-34 weeks to maximise the transfer of protective antibodies to the fetus. • Recommended in ALL pregnancies, irrespective of when last Boostrix vaccine was administered. • Vaccinate young infants as per the National Immunisation Schedule at 2, 4 and 6 months. • The vaccine is currently free for parent