Dr. Butler-Jones stated that "vaccination is truly the best defence for mother and baby from the potentially devastating effects of the H1N1 virus. The perceived risks associated with either H1N1 vaccine are clearly outweighed by the expected benefits of receiving the vaccine."

SOGC Recommendations for Pregnant Women

Vaccination

The SOGC recommends that all pregnant women over 20 weeks gestation and those less than 20 weeks with underlying risk conditions be vaccinated against H1N1 as soon as a vaccine is available, whether or not it includes an adjuvant. In areas where H1N1 flu rates are high or increasing, health-care providers should offer immediate vaccination with adjuvanted vaccines and not wait for non-adjuvanted vaccines which may only be available in November.

Antiviral Prescriptions

The SOGC recommends that each pregnant woman be given a prescription to be used only if H1N1 symptoms appear. Antivirals should not be used for prophylaxis. Women and their families should be aware of serious symptoms of H1N1, leading patients to seek emergency care.

Posters, Information Tear-Out Sheets

Public information materials about H1N1 and pregnancy have been produced and will be mailed to health-care providers this week. If by the end of next week, information materials have not yet been received, providers are invited to notify the SOGC.

Source: SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS OF CANADA