Pregnant women are considered at high risk for the H1N1 influenza, which is also referred to as the swine flu. Women who are pregnant tend to be much more likely to become seriously sick due to the flu. Since the H1N1 vaccine is still so new, many people are concerned about what potential side effects it may cause them to experience now or in the future. Many pregnant women are wondering whether the H1N1 vaccine is safe for them.
H1N1 Vaccine and Pregnancy
It is important to remember that the H1N1 vaccine is considered to be a lot like the seasonal flu vaccine because it is produced the exact same way. The seasonal flu vaccine has been administered to pregnant women for years and has been considered safe. For this reason, the H1N1 vaccine is also being considered safe for women during pregnancy.
H1N1 and Your Unborn Baby
Most pregnant women are also concerned about how the H1N1 vaccine may affect their unborn babies. Since the seasonal flu vaccine has been administered to pregnant women in the past and it has not been known to promote complications among unborn babies, the H1N1 vaccine is considered to be safe. In fact, many encourage pregnant women to get the H1N1 vaccine because the vaccine is believed to extend to the unborn baby. Infants, who are at a high risk of catching the flu, cannot be vaccinated.
H1N1 Vaccine vs. Nasal Spray
Note that the H1N1 vaccine can be administered two ways. The first is by a shot in the arm, and the other is through nasal spray. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only the H1N1 vaccine that is given in the form of a shot is approved for pregnant women. Thus, it is important to make sure that this is the form of the H1N1 vaccine that you are given.
Potential Side Effects of the H1N1 Vaccine
Keep in mind that it is possible for anyone who gets the H1N1 vaccine to experience side effects. Some of the potential side effects of the vaccine include nausea, headache, fever, fatigue, faintness, and a rash at the location of the vaccine. While it is fairly rare, there are some people who do experience a severe allergic reaction as a result of the H1N1 vaccine. If you notice a severe or unusual reaction, contact your health care provider.
Overall, the H1N1 vaccine is considered to be very ideal for pregnant women. It has not shown to cause complications to pregnant women or their unborn babies. Since women who are pregnant are considered to be high risk in terms of catching the flu, getting the H1N1 vaccine is the best thing that you can do protect yourself from catching it.
