Part One: Patient Education

What is seasonal influenza?

Seasonal influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.

What medical problems can seasonal influenza cause?

High fever Pneumonia Diarrhea Seizures in children

Why is it important for pregnant women to receive the vaccine?

Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during
pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, which can can cause hospitalization or even death.

Why is it important for pregnant women to receive the vaccine?

A pregnant woman with the flu also has a greater
chance of developing serious problems that can include miscarriage or preterm birth.

Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?

The flu shot is a safe way to protect the pregnant woman
and her unborn child from serious illness and complications of flu.

It has been given to millions of women over many years.

Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to
pregnant women or their babies.

Given during pregnancy, the vaccine protects both the

mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu.

Information about the vaccine

Vaccination should begin in September or October and
continue throughout the flu season, which can be as late as May.

Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu

vaccine every year, except when contraindicated.

Information about the vaccine

The vaccine is contraindicated in people who have:

a severe allergy to chicken eggs; had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the
past; or

a moderate or severe illness with a fever. Patients who

fall under this group should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

Information about the vaccine

The vaccine is also contraindicated for the following patient populations:

those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome that

occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza;

children under 6 months of age. The vaccine has not

been approved for use in this age group.

Specific contraindications for pregnant women

The nasal spray (live) vaccine should not be given to pregnant women.

Only the inactivated shot has been approved for this

patient population.

Breastfeeding mothers can, however, receive the nasal

spray (live) form of the vaccine.

What risks are associated with the inactivated form of the vaccine?
Serious problems resulting from the inactivated
influenza vaccine are very rare.

The viruses in the inactivated vaccine have been killed,

so a patient cannot get the influenza virus from the vaccine.

Mild problems include:

soreness or swelling where shot was given; hoarseness or cough; sore, red, or itchy eyes; fever and/or fatigue; body aches and/or headache; and itching.

Information for patients

Even healthy pregnant women can contract the flu and
experience serious complications.

Know the signs and symptoms of flu.

Information for patients

If you have any or all of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or nurse immediately: Fever/chills Sore throat Muscle aches Fatigue Cough Headache Runny or stuffy nose

Information for patients

If you have flu-like symptoms, even if you have already
had a flu shot, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic right away.

Doctors can prescribe medicine to treat the flu and

lessen the chance of serious illness.

These medicines must be started as soon as possible.

Information for patients

Having a fever from flu, or any other infection early in
pregnancy, increases the chance of having a baby with birth defects or other problems.

Fever can be brought down with Tylenol

(acetaminophen), but you should still call your doctor or nurse.

Information for patients

If you have any of the following signs, call 911 and seek emergency medical care right away:

Problems breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness or confusion Severe or constant vomiting Decreased or no movement of your baby High fever that is not responding to Tylenol or other
acetaminophen

Preventative measures
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw tissues and other disposable items used by sick
persons in your household in the trash.

Stay away from people who are sick. Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an
alcohol-based hand rub.

Preventative measures
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If someone in the household is sick, keep the sick
person in a separate room from others in the household, if possible.

Keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a

household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.