Influenza Vaccine For Pregnant Women, Is It Safe?

Illustration of pregnant women vaccinating influenza in doctors (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Not a few pregnant women are worried when considering influenza vaccination during pregnancy. This concern generally arises because of the assumption that vaccination can endanger the fetus.

In fact, influenza vaccines are safe to give to pregnant women and actually play an important role in protecting the health of mothers and babies. Changes in the immune system during pregnancy make mothers more susceptible to influenza virus infection, which can pose a serious risk of complications if not prevented.

To minimize the bad impact of flu during pregnancy, vaccination is an effective preventive measure. However, when is the best time for pregnant women to get this vaccine?

According to Dr. dr. M. Alamsyah Aziz, Sp.OG, Subsp. KFM, KIC, M.Kes, Head of the Scientific Division of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI), influenza vaccines are safe to give at any time during pregnancy, without any limit on pregnancy age.

"Influenza vaccines can be given from the first trimester to the end of pregnancy, just once a year," he explained at a press conference at Kalbe Media Discussion Protection Moms and Babies: The Importance of Vaccine Guidelines for Pregnant Women in Jakarta, recently.

Influenza infections in pregnant women are not only risky for the mother, but also for the fetus in them. Flu can cause serious complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, pneumonia, severe respiratory problems, to increase the risk of maternal and fetal mortality. In fact, flu infection can increase the risk of babies born to death by up to three times.

Therefore, Dr. Alamsyah emphasized the importance of influenza vaccination for pregnant women as a preventive measure.

"For those who have been vaccinated before pregnancy, vaccination needs to be repeated if the distance from the last gift is more than one year," he added.

Head of the POGI Central Management Scientific Division (PP), dr. M. Alamsyah Aziz, Sp. OG, Subsp. KFM, KIC, M.Kes., Int. Aff. RANZCOG, FMAS on the same occasion said, based on various scientific studies and global data, inactive influenza vaccines are proven to be well tolerated for pregnant women and fetuses.

"There are many main advantages of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. First, protecting mothers from infection and reducing the risk of hospitalization due to influenza complications. Second, providing passive protection to babies through transfer of mother antibodies, which last until the age of the first six months after birth. Then, it can prevent the spread of influenza to babies who are not old enough to get their own vaccinations," he said.

In addition to influenza vaccines, pregnant women are also recommended to get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine to protect themselves and the fetus from other infection risks. Unlike influenza vaccines, Tdap is given at pregnancy age between 27 and 28 weeks, ahead of the third trimester.

In an effort to increase protection for mothers and fetuses, the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI) launched the latest vaccination guidelines for pregnant women.

As we know, vaccination can be an effective health investment in preventing infectious diseases. This effort is also a way to protect pregnant women and their babies from various dangerous diseases.

"Hopefully, together we can work together to increase awareness and spread knowledge of disease prevention for pregnant women through vaccination," said President Director of PT Kalventis Sinergi Farma, Ridwan Ong.

In this case, following vaccination recommendations, pregnant women not only protect themselves from the risk of complications due to infection, but also provide initial protection for the baby. Don't hesitate to consult with medical personnel regarding the right vaccination schedule during pregnancy.