H1N1 information for Pregnant Women
Women who are pregnant are at higher risk for getting very sick. For this reason, pregnant women
are a priority group for getting the H1N1 vaccine
- Most people with the flu feel tired and have fever (usually high), headache, dry cough, sore throat,
runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems
and diarrhea. The cough can last two or more weeks. If you have flu symptoms, contact your health
care provider. You should also:
- Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without fever-reducing medicine (longer
if you work in health care).
- Seek emergency medical care if you have these emergency warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- The H1N1 vaccine shot (the killed virus vaccine) is recommended for pregnant women.
- Your health care provider may be able to give you the H1N1 vaccine. If not, go to http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/fluclinics/index.shtml to
find a flu clinic
H1N1 Influenza & Pregnancy FAQ
Why does CDC recommend that pregnant women receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine?
It is important for a pregnant woman to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine. A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (formerly called “novel H1N1 flu” or “swine flu”). In comparison to the general population, a greater proportion of pregnant women infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have been hospitalized. In addition, severe illness and death has occurred in pregnant women. Six percent of confirmed fatal 2009 H1N1 flu cases thus far have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant. While hand washing, staying away from ill people, and other steps can help to protect pregnant women from influenza,vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu.
Is the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine safe?
We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very excellent safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events.
Is the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine safe for pregnant women?
Influenza vaccines have not been shown to cause harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. The seasonal flu shot (injection) is proven as safe and already recommended for pregnant women. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will be made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make seasonal influenza vaccines.
What safety studies have been done on the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine and have any been done in pregnant women?
A number of clinical trials which test 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in healthy children and adults are underway. These studies are being conducted by the National Institutes of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Studies of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pregnant women are expected to begin in September.
Can the 2009 H1N1 flu shot be given at any time during pregnancy?
Both seasonal flu shots and 2009 H1N1 flu shots are recommended to pregnant women at any time during pregnancy.
Is there a particular kind of flu vaccine that pregnant women should get? Are there flu vaccines that pregnant women should not get?
There are two type of flu vaccine. Pregnant women should get the "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in pregnant women.
The other type of flu vaccine — nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine)—is not currently approved for use in pregnant women. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Does the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine have preservative in it?
There is no evidence that thimerosal (used as a preservative in vaccine packaged in multi-dose vials) is harmful to a pregnant woman or a fetus. However, because some women are concerned about exposure to preservatives during pregnancy, manufacturers will produce preservative-free seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in single dose syringes for pregnant women and small children. CDC recommends that pregnant women may receive influenza vaccine with or without thimerosal.
Can the family members of a pregnant woman receive the nasal spray vaccine?
Pregnant women should not receive the live nasal spray influenza vaccine but family and household members and other close contacts of pregnant women (including healthcare personnel) who are 2 through 49 years old, healthy and not pregnant may receive live nasal spray vaccine.
Can a pregnant healthcare worker administer the live nasal influenza vaccine?
Yes. No special precautions are (such as gloves) are necessary. Hands should be washed or cleaned with waterless hand sanitizer before and after administering the vaccine or having any direct contact with patients in a health care setting.
If a pregnant woman delivers her baby before receiving her seasonal flu shot or her 2009 H1N1 flu shot, should she still receive them?
Yes. Besides protecting her from infection, the shot may also help protect her young infant. Flu shots are only given to infants 6 months of age and older. Everyone who lives with or gives care to an infant less than 6 months of age should get both the seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines. A woman can get either the shots or the nasal spray after she delivers.
Can a breastfeeding mother receive flu shots?
Yes. Both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shots or nasal spray should be given to breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is fully compatible with flu vaccination, and preventing the flu in mothers can reduce the chance that the infant will get the flu. Also, by breastfeeding, mothers can pass on to the infant the antibodies that their bodies make in response to the flu shots, which can reduce the infant’s chances of getting sick with the flu. This is especially important for infants less than 6 months old, who have no other way of receiving vaccine antibodies, since they are too young to be vaccinated.
What is the best source of information for 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine safety?
In addition to talking openly with your healthcare providers, people are also encouraged to stay informed by checking Maineflu.gov and the following web sites for the most up-to-date news and information: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu and www.flu.gov.
Other sources of information:
Follow Maine CDC’s Updates:
Consider Calling or Emailing Us:
- General Public Call-in Number for Questions: 1-888-257-0990
NextTalk (deaf/hard of hearing) - (207) 629-5751
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Email your questions to: flu.questions@maine.gov
U.S. CDC H1N1 Recommendations and Guidance:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and http://www.flu.gov/
For more information on the safety
of the H1N1 vaccine
Other H1N1 resources for pregnant women can be
found at the US CDC website
