New-born babies can inherit flu protection

Babies whose mothers have the flu vaccine in pregnancy are less likely to catch the virus themselves, experts said yesterday.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Oct 2010, 16:24 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2010, 01:24 BST

A flu jab offers protection to youngsters in the first six months of life and makes them less likely to need hospital treatment for respiratory illnesses, according to US research.

It comes after the UK Government urged all pregnant women to get their flu vaccine this winter.

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The jab protects against the dominant swine flu virus, which is still circulating, and is being made available through GP surgeries.

Women who had the swine flu vaccine last year will not need this year’s flu jab.

Research shows pregnant women are at higher risk of serious complications from swine flu compared with the general public, and have a higher rate of hospital admissions.

Young children are also vulnerable but are not included in the Government’s current vaccination programme unless they have a pre-existing health condition.

The latest study, was published in Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

Related topics:babiesGovernment