To the Editor: Despite evidence supporting the safety and benefits of influenza vaccination during pregnancy,1,2 half of pregnant women believe the influenza vaccine to be unsafe or are uncertain about its safety in pregnancy.3 Other studies report confusion among antenatal care providers about the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy, and cite the need for more professional education.4
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- 1. Munoz FM, Greisinger AJ, Whemanen OA, et al. Safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005; 192: 1098-1106.
- 2. Omer SB, Bednarczyk RA, Madhi SA, et al. Benefits to mother and child of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8: 130-137.
- 3. Taksdal SE, Mak DB, Joyce S, et al. Predictors of uptake of influenza vaccination — a survey of pregnant women in Western Australia. Aust Fam Physician 2013; 42: 582-586.
- 4. Wiley KE, Massey PD, Cooper SC, et al. Uptake of influenza vaccine by pregnant women: a cross-sectional survey. Med J Aust 2013; 198: 373-375. <MJA full text>
- 5. Carcione D, Blyth CC, Richmond PC, et al. Safety surveillance of influenza vaccine in pregnant women. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2013; 53: 98-99.
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We thank Hayley Roberts, Caroline Talbot and other Vaccine Trials Group staff for their help with collecting data.
Christopher Blyth is a member of the Vaccine Trials Group, which has received funding from vaccine providers, including Sanofi Pasteur, BioCSL and GlaxoSmithKline.