MORE than 100 pregnant women have received flu jabs at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Over a two-week period, 100 pregnant woman intending to give birth at the hospital took part in the NHS England trial.

The trial involved the women getting protected against flu at their regular antenatal clinic appointment as opposed to their GP or pharmacy.

Of the 256 women offered a vaccination in the first two weeks of the trial, 102 were vaccinated by a midwife, and a further 84 had already been vaccinated by their GP or at a community pharmacy.

Pregnant women have a seven times greater risk of dying from flu-related illness than those who are not pregnant but less than one in three women in the South West eligible for a flu vaccination have had one so far this winter.

Annette McHardy, from Milverton, took the opportunity to have a flu vaccination at her antenatal clinic. “I found it much easier to be able to have my flu vaccination at the same time as my antenatal appointment and even had my whooping cough injection at the same time,” she said.

“I know some people think flu is just a bit of a cold, but it really is dangerous so I had no hesitation in having my vaccination to protect my baby and myself.”

Debra Young, head of midwifery and children’s services at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “It is so important that pregnant women have this vaccination as there is such strong evidence of a much increased risk of developing complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or miscarriage, and they could even die.

“This is why I’d really urge those expecting to ask their midwife, GP or pharmacist for a vaccination.”

“I also want to reassure mums-to-be that the flu vaccination is not harmful during any stage of pregnancy and offers the best level of protection for them and their baby.”

People can find out whether they are eligible for a free flu vaccination by visiting the NHS Stay Well This Winter page on the NHS Choices website: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell.