ACOG Recommendations Highlight Importance of Influenza Vaccination for Pregnant women
National Vaccination Day: Significance
A recent set of recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) underscores the critical role of influenza vaccination for pregnant individuals in preventing severe complications. The recommendations, backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasize the significance of timely immunization against influenza and provide guidance for obstetrician-gynecologists in managing respiratory illnesses during pregnancy.
- Vaccination During Pregnancy: ACOG and CDC strongly advocate for influenza vaccination in pregnant individuals during the flu season, recommending an inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. While October is an ideal timeframe, vaccination at any point during the flu season is encouraged for safeguarding against prevalent circulating viruses.
- Safe Vaccination Practices: The recommendations highlight the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination during pregnancy, supporting its administration irrespective of prior vaccine doses received in previous pregnancies. Studies consistently demonstrate the benefits of maternal immunization in protecting both pregnant individuals and their newborns against influenza-related complications.
- Respiratory Illness Assessment and Treatment: Healthcare professionals should assess pregnant individuals presenting with respiratory symptoms for both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection, initiating prompt antiviral treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset for suspected influenza cases. Additionally, considering the potential co-infection of influenza and SARS-CoV-2, clinicians recommend specific antiviral treatments in such instances.
- Disparities and Addressing Vaccination Hesitancy: Acknowledging disparities in vaccination rates, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups, ACOG advocates for obstetric healthcare providers to actively recommend and advocate for influenza vaccination. Strategies include culturally responsive communication and engagement with community groups to address concerns and increase vaccination rates in underserved communities.
Influenza vaccination remains a pivotal aspect of obstetric care, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness in pregnant individuals. ACOG's comprehensive recommendations emphasize the importance of healthcare providers' recommendations, fostering confidence in vaccinations, and addressing disparities to ensure better outcomes for pregnant patients.
Reference:
Influenza in pregnancy: Prevention and treatment. (2023). Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005479. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000005479
