Protect Two from the Flu

Hey there mamas. A good friend of mine has asked me post this on my blog. I think it's a very worthwhile campaign. Check it out.

A new public service campaign called “Protect Two from the Flu” http://www.facebook.com/l/hAQBS0paTAQDUJCQl-NaNwCj8eKM1yx2RB4bgmIRdXqSsdw/www.Protect2.org is to protect that little bun in the oven from the flu — and the mom-to-be. The campaign offers information about how important it is for expectant moms to get the flu vaccine — even during the summer, since the flu virus is active year-round. Plus, getting the vaccine is the only way to keep the baby safe from the flu, since babies cannot get the flu vaccine themselves until they are six months old.
Doctors and health agencies now say expectant moms can get the vaccine at any point during their pregnancy and urge them to do so as soon as possible.

The campaign, from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) answers common flu questions. DSHS is also working with OB/GYNs to educate and vaccinate expectant mothers.

Flu Facts

- If you are expecting, you should get the flu vaccine. Pregnant women must get the injectible form of the vaccine. Pregnant women are advised not to get the nasal spray.

- The flu vaccine protects you and your baby from the flu. Antibodies can be passed on to your unborn baby and help protect your baby for up to six months after birth. This is important because babies cannot get the flu vaccine until they are six months old.

- Millions of flu vaccines have been given to pregnant women for many years. The flu vaccines are made the same way each year, and their safety is closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Protection as well as the Food and Drug Administration.

- You can get the flu vaccine at any time, during any trimester, while you are pregnant. A flu vaccine is necessary to help protect you and your baby.

- You can breastfeed your baby if you have received the flu vaccine. Antibodies may be passed in breast milk and will help protect your baby from the flu.

- By mid-November last year, nearly half of the pregnant women in the U.S., 18 and older, had already received the flu vaccine. This means that more than 50 percent of the pregnant women in the U.S. still need to get the flu vaccine to help protect them and their unborn babies from the flu.

- Catching the flu while pregnant puts both you and your baby at risk for some serious complications.

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