Vaccine Issues

Importance of Vaccination

Given the increased rates of H1N1 influenza attack and severe illness among pregnant women they have been identified to be at the top of the list for vaccination.  Every medical society strongly recommends that pregnant women be vaccinated.  Furthermore, the complex issues and controversies around isolation in the intra and postpartum periods indicate that vaccination is critically important.  Nonetheless, there remains a reservoir of concern in the general population.

Patient Education

The primary obstetrican is the most trusted person to provide counselling for H1N1 vaccine questions.  The Resource page contains several excellent patient education materials from the CDC, ACOG and from California Pacific Medical Center (San Francisco).  There are also CDC materials directed toward health professionals that address most issues. 

The vaccine shortage does complicate the discussion.  The California Department of Public Health has temporarily suspended the California law against using Thimerosal preservatives in vaccines for pregnant women (see Resources). This will make discussions more complicated if the Thimerosal-free vaccine is not more widely available for pregnant women.