Immunized expectant mothers against seasonal flu are significantly less likely to give birth to a stillborn baby than those who are not vaccinated, according to the results of a new study published in the medical journal Clinical infectious disease.
Although there are some known reasons for stillbirths (genetic problem, problem with the placenta, congenital anomalies, infections of the mother …), some of them remain unexplained, which makes it difficult to implement a prevention policy.
But in this new study, led by Dr. Annette Regan, the seasonal flu vaccine may well protect expectant mothers from the risk of stillbirth.
The researchers analyzed more than 58,000 births registered in Western Australia between April 2012 and December 2013. Compared to women who had not been vaccinated, those who had received the vaccine had a 51% lower risk of suffering from a disease. stillbirth.
The risks of the flu when you are pregnant
Pregnant women are more at risk of developing certain complications related to the flu, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or certain sinus or ear infections.
In France, since 2012, the High Council of Public Health has recommended influenza vaccination for pregnant women regardless of their trimester of pregnancy. Scientific data has indeed shown that this measure reduces febrile pulmonary episodes in pregnant women and that it can also protect the baby from the risk of influenza during its first six months. For its part, the Health Insurance covers 100% of the seasonal flu vaccine for pregnant women.
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