Non-adjuvanted 2009 influenza A (H1N1)v vaccine in pregnant women: the results of a French prospective descriptive study

Abstract

In 2009, during the influenza A (H1N1)v pandemic, the French Health authorities recommended influenza immunisation for pregnant women because of the higher risk of serious influenza outcomes in that population. Thus, the non-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine Panenza(®) was administered to French women from the second trimester of pregnancy. Several studies suggest that inactivated seasonal influenza vaccines are safe during pregnancy but there are few data about the effects of new A (H1N1)vaccines (new antigen) on pregnant women.

Objective: The aim of the present prospective study was to describe pregnancy outcomes among women vaccinated with non-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in South Western France.

Methods: the study ran from November 2009 to February 2010 and included, on a voluntary basis, pregnant women who were vaccinated against A (H1N1) influenza in vaccination clinics or maternity wards.

Results: 569 pregnant women were monitored until delivery. Compared with the general population, the risks of maternal conditions, malformations and neonatal conditions were not statistically different.

Conclusion: This study does not reveal any sign of safety concerns regarding the effects of the vaccine on pregnancy outcomes.