Oxfordshire: Flu Jab Trial Extended

2 November 2012, 08:19 | Updated: 2 November 2012, 08:21

Pregnant women in Oxfordshire can have a flu jab while they wait for their scan at both the John Radcliffe and Horton Hospitals this winter.

It comes after a trial last year. 

Women will be able to get the vaccination until the end of January 2013. It protects both Mum and baby against flu, which anyone can catch but can cause serious complications for expectant mothers, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. 

It is hoped that giving women the opportunity to have the vaccination without making a separate appointment at their GP surgery will improve take-up in the county. 

Rosemary de Wilde, Immunisation Manager for NHS Oxfordshire, said: "We wanted to make it really easy for pregnant women to access a flu jab and last year's scheme showed women appreciated the convenience of getting the jab as they waited for another appointment." 

During the seven week scheme last year, 266 women were immunised against flu. This year the initiative will run for 13 weeks and aims to reach 1,000 mums-to-be.