Free Flu Jab for Pregnant Women in Oxford

20 December 2011, 05:00

It's easier for pregnant women to get their free flu jab as a pilot scheme starts to offer it to all women going to hospitals in Oxford for their ultrasound.

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) in Headington is giving the flu jab at the same time as the scan in the hope more women will get the immunisation.

32% of women in Oxfordshire have now had the jab this season. Gail Stockford, the PCT Immunisation Manager, told Heart they are aiming for 60%.

Ms Stockford explains why: "Pregnant women who get flu are much more at risk of being hospitalised, about 4 to 5 times than the general population, and about 7 times more likely to die so it really is very important that pregnant women get immunised"

Dr Tony Berendt is the OUH Deputy Medical Director:

"It only takes a couple of minutes, and it's safe and simple. We hope this will help more women to get their flu jab, either with us, or by going to their GP.

"There is still time to do it, but we do expect flu to come in the next month or two, so sooner is better."