Vancouver Coastal Health is pushing for pregnant women to get their flu shot.
Dr. Emily Newhouse with VCH said getting the flu shot for pregnant women is often an underrated mode of protection.
“Getting the shot will not only protect the woman while she’s pregnant, but the baby will also be protected from the flu for the first few months after they’re born,” said Dr. Newhouse.
“There’s a ton of proof about how effective getting the flu shot can be. The shot is safe, it’s effective, not only does it prevent the flu, but even if you do get influenza, getting the shot can reduce serious complications.”
Newhouse said the previous flu season wasn’t good. There were many serious hospitalizations and even deaths.
She hopes that trend will change this year.
