"It is important that all healthcare providers be vigilant about initiating conversations with their pregnant patients about the benefits of getting the flu shots and their safety, especially as recent survey data show that the majority of pregnant women are more likely to get the flu shots if recommended by their healthcare provider," said Catherine Ruhl, CNM, MS, director of women's health programs at AWHONN.

Hispanic Women More Proactive About Discussing Flu Shots

More Hispanic women discussed the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots with their healthcare providers than women overall. In fact, 50 percent of Hispanic women have discussed H1N1 flu shots with their healthcare providers compared to only 21 percent of women overall. Similarly, more Hispanic women have discussed the seasonal flu shot with their healthcare providers than women overall (61 percent vs. 56 percent).

The presence of thimerosal in flu vaccines is of particular concern to more than half of Hispanic women surveyed. However, nearly two-thirds (64%) are not aware or not sure only that mercury-free flu vaccines are available. Of the Hispanic women who discussed either the seasonal flu shot or H1N1 flu shot with their healthcare provider, the majority discussed the availability of thimerosal-free flu vaccines with their healthcare providers (77 percent discussed H1N1; 59 percent discussed seasonal).

"These survey results show that getting the seasonal and H1N1 flu is of particular concern to Hispanic women, but that there is confusion about the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy to mother and baby," said Diana Ramos, MD, MPH, FACOG, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck University of Southern California School of Medicine. "Educating Hispanic families on the need for flu vaccination during pregnancy is the first step in protecting pregnant women and their newborns."

The "Flu Free and A Mom-to-Be" campaign was launched last year and received the 2009 National Influenza Vaccine Summit Excellence Award. This year's program includes information on the newly emerged H1N1 virus and vaccine, in both English and Spanish. The aim of the program is to educate pregnant women on the flu and urge them to discuss getting the flu shots with their healthcare providers. The campaign's educational tools and materials include online content addressing common myths with facts on influenza and pregnancy; tips on obtaining the flu shots while pregnant; information on types of flu vaccines available; and a flu tip card and poster for healthcare provider offices and clinics, which can be viewed at www.HealthyWomen/flufree. Support of the "Flu-Free and a Mom-to-Be" campaign reflects CSL Biotherapies' ongoing commitment to raising awareness of influenza vaccination among priority populations.

SOURCE: AWHONN; HealthyWomen