Asthma FoundationTuesday 23 March 2010, 11:35AM
Media release from Asthma Foundation
Women with asthma who are pregnant have a much greater risk than
other groups of severe complications from influenza and are
strongly recommended to discuss immunisation with their GP or
midwife.
Responding to a study published in the British Medical Journal last
week, the Asthma Foundation's Medical Director Dr Bob Hancox
says: "this new study underlines the increased risk of
influenza complications among pregnant women."
"Pregnant women are at increased risk of getting very sick if they
have not been immunised. This risk will be even greater if they
have other conditions such as asthma."
A seasonal influenza vaccination that also covers swine flu is
available through medical centres and is free for pregnant women
and people with long-term respiratory conditions.