Influenza and Pregnancy: No Time for Complacency

Abstract

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic demonstrated the severe effects of influenza illness on pregnant women. This experience stimulated efforts to improve influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women and resulted in a substantial increase in coverage from less than 30% before 2009 to more than 50% a few years later. As memories fade of the pandemic year, influenza vaccination coverage has stagnated at around 50%, despite considerable information becoming available on strategies to improve vaccination coverage during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, through its expert work groups, Committee Opinions, and other outreach efforts, has provided strong support for clinicians to implement these strategies into their practices. Influenza vaccination is the best way to safeguard pregnant women and their infants up to 6 months of age from the adverse outcomes associated with influenza. It is imperative for the obstetric community to redouble its efforts to implement strategies proven to work to improve vaccination coverage and to identify and test new strategies to increase the number of pregnant women and their infants protected from influenza.