Leading medical bodies representing more than 90,000 healthcare professionals have issued an urgent appeal for pregnant women to receive the flu vaccine without delay, as NHS figures reveal a sustained record level of flu-related hospital admissions for this time of year.
Despite a slight slowdown in the pace of growth, according to the latest data, an average of 3,140 flu patients were occupying hospital beds daily.
This figure exceeds admissions for the same period in the previous two years, underlining the continued pressure on health services. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to serious complications from the flu, and data indicates that they are more likely than the general population to experience adverse outcomes, while their babies face a higher risk of hospitalization.
In response, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have come together to underline the critical importance of vaccination. They advise women to consult their maternity teams or GP, highlighting that the flu vaccine offers vital protection even later in the flu season.
Dr Alison Wright, chair of the RCOG, highlighted the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. “Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is the most effective way to protect women and their babies from getting seriously ill from the flu,” she said. “This vaccine is safe and increases maternal flu antibodies, which are passed to the baby before birth for maximum protection. It's not too late to get vaccinated.” Dr Wright further urged all healthcare professionals to actively recommend vaccination to pregnant women at every opportunity.
Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, acknowledged the overwhelming amount of information women receive during pregnancy, but highlighted the vaccine as a clear priority.
“One of the simplest and most effective measures a woman can take to protect herself and her baby is to get vaccinated against the flu, if she has not already done so,” she explained.
“It provides the strongest protection during pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill or needing hospital care.” Ms Walton added that midwives are a trusted source of advice, willing to discuss any concerns about vaccines, including safety, and confirmed the safety of the vaccine at all stages of pregnancy, highlighting its protective benefits for babies in their vulnerable first months.
Professor Steve Turner, president of the RCPCH, warned against underestimating the virus, especially among children. “Many people mistakenly believe that the flu is just a bad cold,” he said. “The flu virus can cause very serious infections with lifelong implications for children, and especially babies.” Professor Turner stressed that these infections and subsequent hospital admissions are putting immense pressure on the NHS, but are largely preventable through vaccination. The RCPCH has published a flu vaccine fact sheet to help parents and carers, available here.
Oliver Picard, president of the National Pharmacy Association, confirmed the widespread availability of the vaccine. “Most independent pharmacies tell us they still have good stock availability and can vaccinate patients quickly,” he said. He joined the Royal Colleges in urging all at-risk groups to get vaccinated, reiterating that flu can cause serious illness and pose risks to unborn children. He encouraged people to look for a quick and almost painless injection at their local pharmacy or GP.
