New Poll Shows Pregnant Women Concerned About H1N1 Flu but Uncertain About Getting the Vaccine
RED BANK, NJ -- 10/23/09 -- Despite majorities expressing concern about getting the novel H1N1 (or swine) flu this year, only about one in four pregnant women or new mothers plan to get the H1N1 flu shot, according to findings from a new survey conducted on behalf of HealthyWomen by Harris Interactive. The survey of pregnant women and new mothers also revealed that 43 percent of women plan to get the seasonal flu shot this year, up from 33 percent surveyed last year. Moreover, Hispanic women surveyed showed that they are more likely than women overall to be concerned for themselves and their children getting H1N1 and seasonal flu, but are less aware of expert recommendations that pregnant women get both flu shots this year to protect themselves and their newborns.
To address women's concerns and the information gap on flu vaccination during pregnancy, HealthyWomen and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) are continuing their "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby -- Get Your Flu Shots!" program. The campaign, supported by CSL Biotherapies, educates pregnant women and their healthcare providers on the need to make flu vaccination for both the seasonal and H1N1 viruses an essential part of prenatal care. This is critical as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that only 24 percent of pregnant women received a flu shot last season.(1)
RED BANK, NJ -- 10/23/09 -- Despite majorities expressing concern about getting the novel H1N1 (or swine) flu this year, only about one in four pregnant women or new mothers plan to get the H1N1 flu shot, according to findings from a new survey conducted on behalf of HealthyWomen by Harris Interactive. The survey of pregnant women and new mothers also revealed that 43 percent of women plan to get the seasonal flu shot this year, up from 33 percent surveyed last year. Moreover, Hispanic women surveyed showed that they are more likely than women overall to be concerned for themselves and their children getting H1N1 and seasonal flu, but are less aware of expert recommendations that pregnant women get both flu shots this year to protect themselves and their newborns.
To address women's concerns and the information gap on flu vaccination during pregnancy, HealthyWomen and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) are continuing their "Flu-Free and A Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby -- Get Your Flu Shots!" program. The campaign, supported by CSL Biotherapies, educates pregnant women and their healthcare providers on the need to make flu vaccination for both the seasonal and H1N1 viruses an essential part of prenatal care. This is critical as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that only 24 percent of pregnant women received a flu shot last season.(1)