Influenza vaccination in pregnancy: A review

Following the 2009/10 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic, it was recognised that pregnant women were disproportionately represented in cases of hospitalisation and complications of the infection. This, coupled with evidence showing a strong link between influenza infection in pregnancy and increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal morbidity and mortality, led to the introduction of pregnant women as an 'at risk' group who, in 2010, were recommended to receive annual seasonal influenza immunisation. Uptake of the immunisation remains relatively low, with only 44.9% of women in England receiving the vaccination in the 2016/17 season. Midwives should discuss the potential risks of influenza with pregnant women, promoting vaccination and administering it where commissioned and able to do so, or signposting them to their GP or local pharmacy to receive it, thereby protecting the health of the women and babies.