Tori Kropp on the Swine Flu Vaccine & Pregnancy
Thursday September 24, 2009With the onset of cooler weather, everyone seems to be on high alert for the flu, especially that particularly nasty new strain, H1N1, better known as the swine flu. Experts predict that cases of swine flu will pick up steam here in North America just in time for winter. Although I’ve never been too concerned with a few germs, I have taken to carrying around a travel-sized container of hand sanitizer- just in case. You probably have witnessed the reactions on people’s faces on public transportation when someone sneezes or coughs; it’s a mixture of sheer horror and the desire to grab that unfortunate person with a tickle in their throat, or dust up their nose, and hurl them head first out of the nearest door.
Luckily, last week the FDA approved four swine flu vaccines, and assured people that 45 million doses would be ready by mid-October, with many more on the way. Fortunately, pregnant women and children are top priorities, as these groups have been disproportionately affected by the swine flu already. Although pregnant women are not more susceptible to H1N1 than other people, they do have a higher risk of death caused by the flu if they do not receive proper treatment in time. Approximately 6% of H1N1-related deaths so far have been pregnant women, which in proportion to the rest of the population is incredibly high.
The swine flu vaccine may seem like a godsend for pregnant women, but many mothers-to-be are skeptical about putting things into their bodies that both they and scientists do not completely understand. Although response to trial vaccines in healthy adults has been excellent (eight to ten days for a positive immune response), testing among children and pregnant women were started just last week. The results of these trials will not be known for some time.
Pregnancy is both an exciting and anxious period in a woman’s life, but the joy of being pregnant and giving birth should not be hindered by the threat of swine flu. We sat down with Tori Kropp, a perinatal nurse nurse and author of The Joy of Pregnancy, and talked with her about what expectant mothers can do to make educated decisions regarding the swine flu vaccine. Be sure to visit her blog to learn more, or ask her any questions you may have.
HCP Delivers: Would you suggest that pregnant women receive the swine flu vaccine? If yes, should they wait until the tests are complete?
Tori Kropp, RN: Yes, absolutely– pregnant women should receive the H1N1 vaccine which is due out this fall– mid october likely. There are 2 types of vaccines– a shot which is a killed version of the virus and a nasal application which is a live, attenuated virus. Pregnant women should receive the “shot” vaccine. Others in the household can receive either type.
HCP: Would you recommend the vaccine for mothers who have young children, but who are not pregnant?
TK:Everyone. Period. Should have the vaccine. This is a very serious illness and there is no natural immunity to it. The vaccine is THE safest way to prevent illness.
HCP: A huge issue facing mothers is not only making the decision to get the vaccine for themselves, but for their children. For mothers that are traditionally adverse to vaccines, what advice would you give?
TK: It is important to remember that there was a time when influenza for which there was no natural immunity (such as with H1N1) killed entire communities. It may sound harsh but this is not the time to negotiate whether or not vaccination is a good idea. It is the only known possible protection against and debilitating and potentially fatal illness.
HCP: What should mothers, or mothers-to-be do if they think they have the swine flu?
TK: The earlier the medical treatment, the safer for mom and baby. Immediate medical treatment is essential. The highest percentage of deaths from H1N1 has been pregnant women.
HCP: What can health officials do to make pregnant women feel more at ease about receiving the swine flu vaccination?
TK: The CDC is doing a very good job of helping people become educated as to the real risks (as opposed to the “pop” ones) of vaccines vs. the benefits. The benefits far outweigh the risks. The injectable vaccine is a killed virus which means that you cannot become ill from he vaccine itself.
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