Influenza 2010 Information for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers On this page: Pregnant women Breastfeeding mothers Related information Pregnant women Pregnant women are at greater risk from pandemic influenza H1N1 (swine flu) Pregnant women who get sick with pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) are more likely to suffer serious complications than others. Some pregnant women with pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 have had early labour, severe pneumonia and it has proved fatal in a small number of cases. If you are pregnant and have a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma or diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing severe health complications as a result of influenza. This is because pregnancy on top of such conditions can intensify the effects of influenza in your body. The vaccine is free for pregnant women The seasonal influenza vaccine is free for pregnant women in 2010. This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine will protect you against pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) as well as two other strains that are expected to be the dominant strains circulating in the community this year. The vaccine is strongly recommended for women who will be pregnant during the influenza season as pregnancy places a woman at greater risk of complications from influenza illness. The vaccine is available from early March until the end of June and may be given to pregnant women after this period if need be. The vaccine protects baby too Influenza immunisation for pregnant women has clear benefits for both mother and baby. Mothers who receive influenza vaccine while pregnant can pass protection on to their baby. The vaccine offers protection to infants who would normally be too young (under six months) to receive immunisation individually. See your health professional The seasonal influenza vaccine is normally given in the second and third trimesters but may be offered to women who will be in their first trimester when influenza is circulating, on advice of their health professional. Speak with your midwife or doctor about getting vaccinated. It will help keep you and your unborn child safe during the influenza season. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant and have symptoms of influenza, seek immediate advice from your midwife or doctor. Don’t let the flu get you. For more information visit www.fightflu.co.nz See also: questions and answers on pregnancy and vaccination Back to top Breastfeeding mothers Don’t stop breastfeeding if you are ill. This is because breast milk protects babies by passing on antibodies, which help fight off infection. Limit formula feeds if you can. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have someone give it to your baby. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Be careful not to cough or sneeze around your baby. You may want to consider wearing a face mask (note the precautions outlined by the World Health Organisation at www.who.int/en/). You are able to keep breastfeeding while you take medicines such as Tamiflu. Back to top Related information Pandemic Influenza vaccination and pregnancy Seasonal Influenza vaccination and pregnancy Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 30 July 2009

Related information from the Centers for Disease Control (USA) H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby (www.cdc.gov)