Powys Teaching Health Board is urging all pregnant women to have their free flu vaccine as research shows they are seven times more likely to die from flu than a woman who is not pregnant.

A woman who catches flu during pregnancy is at higher risk of delivering her baby early and the risk of stillbirth is also increased.

Pregnant women are vulnerable to infection and are not able to fight off viruses such as flu as well as other people.

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent flu and offers protection to both the mum-to-be and her unborn baby. The NHS flu vaccine is available free to all pregnant women in Wales at their GP surgery or community pharmacy.

Powys is also leading the way by piloting the provision of NHS flu vaccine via local midwifery teams. This is first scheme of its kind in Wales and is available for women registered with midwifery teams in Knighton (Glyndwr), Llandrindod Wells (Ithon) and Newtown.

The flu vaccine is safe during all stages of pregnancy, and not only helps protect women against catching flu, but can also help protect their unborn child for up to six months after birth.

Shelly Jones, consultant midwife for Powys Teaching Health Board, said:

“It’s really important for pregnant women to ensure they are protected against flu. Expectant mothers do not have the same ability as other healthy people to fight viruses such as flu, which is an illness that can be devastating for the woman and her unborn baby.

“If a pregnant woman catches flu it can cause severe complications to mother and baby; one quick, simple, vaccination will help to protect her and will also give added protection to her baby during their first months of life.”

“This flu season we are able to offer pregnant women registered with Newtown, Knighton (Glyndwr) and Llandrindod Wells (Ithon) midwifery teams the vaccine with the midwives. Women are encouraged to call their midwife to arrange an appointment.

“We will be evaluating this scheme, and depending on the results we anticipate being able to offer all pregnant women the vaccine with our midwives next flu season.

“For women registered with our other midwifery teams the vaccine will be offered through the GP or participating pharmacy for this year.”

Annual flu vaccination is the best protection against catching or spreading flu, a potentially life-threatening infection. Last year, almost three-quarters of pregnant women protected themselves with the flu vaccine.

Pregnant women are advised to talk to their midwife, general practice or community pharmacy about getting the vaccination as soon as possible this autumn.