Women in the second half of their pregnancy are a priority

One of the most potentially confusing messages about the H1N1 influenza vaccine in Ontario is the one about when pregnant women should be vaccinated. 

Research shows that women in the second half of their pregnancies (roughly the 20^th week onward) are at higher risk of becoming very sick if they are infected with the H1N1 influenza virus.  According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:

 ”Pregnant women are not more likely to get the H1N1 flu virus, but if they do catch the virus in their second or third trimester or within four weeks of giving birth, they are more likely to suffer complications, like pneumonia and severe respiratory distress. This can put both the mother and the fetus’ health at risk.”  

Dr. Arlene King (the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario) told me that because of this evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk in the second half of their pregnancies, they are considered a priority group to receive the H1N1 vaccine.  Dr. King further said that the H1N1 vaccine that is available now containing an adjuvant that makes it more potent is perfectly safe for pregnant women.  Although there will be another version of the vaccine available in the coming weeks that does not have the adjuvant in it, Dr. King urges pregnant women to consider getting the vaccine with adjuvant as soon as possible to minimize the risk to the woman and the fetus.

For more on pregnancy, breastfeeding and H1N1 influenza, see the following web page by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC):

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/fs-fi-pregnancy-grossesse-eng.php

In general, the higher risk groups who should be getting the H1N1 vaccine first.  According to the PHAC, those at higher risk include:

- People under 65 with chronic health conditions

- Pregnant women                 

- Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age

- People living in remote and isolated settings or communities

- Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery of essential health care services

- Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines

- Populations otherwise identified as high risk   

For a complete overview of frequently asked questions about H1N1 influenza, see the following website by the PHAC:

http://www.atlantique.phac.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/faq_rg_h1n1-eng.php

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Dr. Karl’s Take Home Message:

1.  The H1N1 vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine according to the evidence thuis far, including research on tens of thousands of people who received similar vaccines worldwide.

2. People in higher risk groups should be a priority to receive the H1N1 shot, including those under 65 with chronic diseases and the people around them, pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancies, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, and frontline health care workers. 

3. Getting your H1N1 shot is just one strategy to protect yourself - remember to wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, and stay home if you're sick. 

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