Experts have expressed concern after a record number of pregnant women shunned the flu vaccine last winter.
The number of pregnant women in Wirral who received a flu jab fell to an all-time low of just 36%, according to new data from the UK Health Security Agency. Only 1,225 of the 3,399 pregnant women registered at GP practices across the borough had the jab between September 2021 and February 2022.
This is down from an uptake rate of 42.5% the previous year, and is the lowest figure since records began in 2013-14. The slump in uptake is compatible with record-low figures from across the country, with just 37.9% of women getting the jab in England last winter.
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The NHS advises that all pregnant women should have the flu vaccine, regardless of what stage of pregnancy they're at, as evidence suggests pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu.
One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can develop into pneumonia. Having flu while pregnant, could also cause a baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, and can, in extreme cases, lead to stillbirth.
Dr Pat O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the new figures are "concerning".
He said: “As vaccines are also given through midwifery services and antenatal appointments it’s possible the number of pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine is higher than these figures suggest, but the fact that fewer than 4 in 10 pregnant women receive the flu vaccine each year is concerning.
“Seasonal flu is an unpredictable virus. Developing flu during pregnancy can be serious for women and their babies because pregnancy weakens the immune system and results in a greater risk of complications and other infections, such as bronchitis than can develop into pneumonia."
The number of women who received a flu jab varied between 55.8% in Stockport and 18.4% in the London borough of Enfield. Dr O'Brien said that the reduction in uptake might be down to people feeling less concerned about flu last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or may be related inaccurate information circulating last year about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy.
He added: “There is significant evidence to show that both flu and COVID vaccines are safe and can be given at any stage in pregnancy. We strongly recommend all pregnant women have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines when offered to them this autumn.
“It is vital that all pregnant women have access to high-quality and accessible information about the risks associated with getting flu or COVID-19 in pregnancy, and the benefits of having the vaccine.
"These vaccines should also be accessible via GP, midwifery and antenatal appointments, to make it as easy as possible for pregnant women to receive their vaccinations in pregnancy.”
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